Detroit Tigers: Four Players Who’ve Carried Team So Far

Apr 12, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez (41) receives congratulations from third baseman Nick Castellanos (9) after scoring in the sixth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez (41) receives congratulations from third baseman Nick Castellanos (9) after scoring in the sixth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Detroit Tigers
Apr 30, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann (27) pitches to the Minnesota Twins in the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /

Jordan Zimmermann

We interrupt this hitting program to bring you an impact pitcher. Yes, an actual pitcher.

Jordan Zimmermann has been everything the Detroit Tigers have wanted and more. In six starts this season, the former National has consistently flashed ace stuff, going 5-1 with a 1.10 ERA in 41 innings pitched.

Many will remember the pitcher’s scoreless innings streak for a long time. Zimmermann racked up 24.1 scoreless innings to start his career with the Tigers, and wasn’t charged with a loss until last Friday.

The Tigers are clearly glad they inked the starter in the offseason, as he’s been key so far. In addition to pitching at a high level, Zimmermann has also ended losing streaks. He snapped a two-game slide in Kansas City with a victory on April 20th, and followed that up by beating the A’s on the 25th to prevent a four-game losing streak from turning into a five-game losing streak.

It is unlikely that Zimmermann will maintain a 1.10 ERA (which leads the league) throughout the season, but don’t expect him to stop pitching like an ace anytime soon. Should the Tigers qualify for the postseason, there isn’t a doubt who would pitch Game One.