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 /

5 of 5

Apr 23, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia (39) awaits the pitch as he covers first base against the Cleveland Indians in the eighth inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Jarrod Saltalamacchia

Like Zimmermann, Saltalamacchia signed with the Tigers in the offseason. Also like Zimmermann, he’s made a significant impact.

Originally viewed as a slugging alternative to James McCann, Salty stepped into the starting lineup when McCann went down injured.

The former Diamondback was excellent as a fill in, and looks to have carved out a role with the team—even with McCann healthy again.

In just 70 at-bats, Saltalamacchia leads the team with six home runs. He’s also added 17 RBI, which is bested only by Nick Castellanos and Victor Martinez. What’s more, the backstop has added four doubles and a triple.

His .214 batting average isn’t anything to write home about, but there’s no denying that Salty has been clutch.

So far this season, the slugger is hitting .313 with a double, a pair of home runs and 10 RBI with two outs and runners in scoring position. He’s also putting up a robust .429/.500/1.500 slash line (albeit in a small sample size) when the game is tied.

With his ability to hit for legitimate power, Salty has extended an already dangerous Detroit lineup.

Next: Now is Not the Time to Fire Brad Ausmus

Usually hitting towards the bottom of the lineup, the slugger brings more power than the likes of Jose Iglesias, Anthony Gose, McCann and Tyler Collins. This provides opposing pitchers with yet another challenge after facing the likes of Cabrera, Martinez, Castellanos and Justin Upton.