Detroit Tigers: Buck Farmer Will Pitch as Starter in Spring Training

Detroit Tigers pitchers and catchers have already reported to Spring Training. According to the latest tweet from MLB.com’s Jason Beck, Buck Farmer will see action as a starting pitcher in Spring Training.

Detroit Tigers pitcher Buck Farmer could very well be in the mix for starting games for the franchise at some point in 2017.

If all goes to plan, Justin Verlander, Michael Fulmer, Jordan Zimmermann, Daniel Norris and Matt Boyd will fill out the starting rotation.

However, injuries and ineffectiveness always seem to take place during the course of a season. Because of that, having depth is always a positive.

That depth could be Farmer.

MLB.com’s Jason Beck tweeted on Tuesday morning, “Buck Farmer will also stretch out as a starter in camp. That would make nine starters.”

In addition to Farmer and the aforementioned starters, high-priced veterans Anibal Sanchez and Mike Pelfrey are still around.

What’s more, Drew VerHagen is also slated to see work as a starting pitcher in Spring Training.

More on Farmer

For a long stretch, Buck Farmer was one of Detroit’s top prospects.

A former fifth-round pick in 2013, the right-hander reached West Michigan during the 2014 campaign.

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While there, Farmer posted a 2.60 ERA and 10.1 strikeouts per nine frames in 123 innings.

However, after that, the pitcher made two starts in Erie and Toledo before making his Major League debut.

It’s probably safe to say that Farmer was rushed to the big leagues.

He allowed 12 earned runs in his first 9.1 innings in 2014 before struggling mightily in 2015.

During the 2015 season, Farmer threw 40.1 innings while turning in a 7.36 ERA. He also struck out just 5.4 batters per nine innings while allowing 11.8 hits, 3.8 walks and 2.2 home runs per nine frames.

Turning Things Around

Fast forward to last season, and it appeared that Farmer was starting to figure things out.

In his first 17 innings with the Tigers, the 25-year-old pitched to a 3.71 ERA and 17 strikeouts.

Predominantly coming out of the bullpen, the former fifth-round pick held batters to a .213 batting average over the same span.

Farmer also seemed to turn the corner in Triple-A, where he logged a 3.96 ERA and 8.4 strikeouts per nine innings in 20 starts.

Potential Role With the 2017 Detroit Tigers

Detroit’s rotation looks set for 2017, however Farmer could still contribute as a starter.

Next: Why the Tigers Will Make A Deep Playoff Run in 2017

It’s possible the Tigers will keep an eye on the respective pitch and innings counts of Fulmer, Norris and Boyd. If that’s the case, Farmer could see action as a spot starter.