Detroit Tigers Rotation Reportedly Set for Early Stretch of Spring Training

Detroit Tigers manager Brad Ausmus will utilize a familiar starting rotation in 2017. Per the latest report form MLB.com’s Jason Beck, we know what Detroit’s rotation will look like in early Spring Training.

Detroit Tigers fans will see an improved rotation in 2017.

The team will likely rely less on veterans Anibal Sanchez and Mike Pelfrey—who struggled during 2016—due to the emergence of Daniel Norris and Matt Boyd.

Rebound seasons from Sanchez and Pelfrey would be significant, but for now they’ve been overtaken in the rotation by Norris and Boyd.

What’s more, Jordan Zimmermann is a candidate to bounce back from an injury-shortened campaign.

With Zimmermann, Norris and Boyd joining Justin Verlander and Michael Fulmer, Detroit could sport one of baseball’s best rotations.

Now, according to the latest tweet from MLB.com’s Jason Beck, we know how the Tigers’ rotation will look in the early part of Spring Training.

Beck tweeted on Thursday morning,

“Myles Jaye starts for Tigers today. Fulmer starts Friday, Verlander on Saturday, Boyd Sunday, Zimmermann Monday, Norris Tuesday.”

Moving forward in Spring Training, it will certainly be interesting to see how the rotation picture shakes out.

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Verlander, Fulmer, Zimmermann, Norris and Boyd look like the most likely candidates to open the year as the team’s starters.

However, Detroit has other options in Jaye, Sanchez and Pelfrey.

What’s more, the likes of Buck Farmer, Drew VerHagen and Chad Bell could all conceivably start games. The trio have experience in the bullpen, but they can also work out of the rotation.

In any scenario, the Detroit Tigers should have much-improved depth heading into the 2017 regular season.

Last season, Detroit’s lack of depth forced the team to turn to Sanchez and Pelfrey too often.

Both had down seasons.

Sanchez’ FIP ballooned to 5.06, while Pelfrey notched a SIERA of 5.25.

If the duo can improve, Detroit’s starting pitching depth will be in an even better place.

Next: Breaking Down Center Field Competition

Should the veterans improve, they would give the Tigers potential trade chips later in the season.