The lineup of the Detroit Tigers has struggled to produce runs at times this season but the pitching staff carries the most blame for the team’s in 2015.
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As they head into what will be a busy offseason the bats will be the least of their problems as they build their 2016 roster. The core for a strong lineup is already in place. J.D. Martinez worked through his early season troubles and proved he’s ready to team with Miguel Cabrera to power the heart of the lineup. Since the beginning of August Nick Castellanos has slashed .272/.326/.496 with five home runs to lock down the third base position. Ian Kinsler is on fire at the plate plus he and Julio Iglesias give the team solid defense up the middle. Anthony Gose is under team control until 2020 and isn’t even eligible for arbitration until 2017.
If the Tigers want to jump back into contention for the AL Central Division title after one down season then the pitching staff needs to receive major attention from new general manager Al Avila. What follows are staff holes holes he’ll need to address and some available options that would help the Tigers climb back into contention in 2016.