5 Prospects That Will Make an Impact for 2015 Detroit Tigers

Feb 28, 2015; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Kyle Ryan (56) poses during Photo day at Joker Merchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

#5: Kyle Ryan

Kyle Ryan spent most of the 2014 season with the Double-A Erie SeaWolves and while his numbers were not all that impressive (7-10, 4.55 ERA, 1.358 WHIP), he improved enough to get promoted to the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens. He excelled, compiling a 3-0 record with a 1.64 ERA and 0.788 WHIP. This performance allowed him to get a cup of coffee with the big league club.

With Anibal Sanchez injured in August and September, and the Detroit Tigers facing multiple double-header late in the season, the team needed plenty of young arms as spot starters and for bullpen help. Ryan was one of these and he made the most of his opportunity.

The 22-year old made his major league debut in the second game of a twin-bill with the Chicago White Sox, going an impressive six innings of shutout ball helping the Tigers win 8-4 to record his first major league win.

He stayed on for the remainder of the regular season, along with other September call-ups, though he appeared exclusively in relief the rest of the way. Ryan did not allow a run until his final apperance, allowing three runs in an 11-4 loss to Minnesota.

Though it was in a very limited role, Kyle Ryan has shown the capability of being a spot starter as well as short or long relief in the bullpen. That valuable service will make him a Tiger one or more times in 2015.