Detroit Tigers: Four Relief Pitcher Trades Tigers Should Make

Feb 21, 2016; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Matt Boyd (48) and teammates pitch in the bullpen at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 21, 2016; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Matt Boyd (48) and teammates pitch in the bullpen at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
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Detroit Tigers
Mar 21, 2016; Lakeland, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher David Hernandez (30) throws a warm up pitch during the seventh inning against the Detroit Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

David Hernandez, Philadelphia Phillies

Signed to a one-year deal in the offseason, David Hernandez has enjoyed a successful start to his first season in Philadelphia. The right-hander is the owner of a 3.58 ERA and 42 strikeouts in just 32.2 innings pitched.

Similar to many on this list, Hernandez would provide Ausmus with another option to set up Francisco Rodriguez.

The current Philadelphia reliever could be best suited for a role in the seventh inning. So far this season, Hernandez has put up an exceptional 1.98 ERA when pitching in the seventh inning of games.

In terms of a return, the Phillies’ most obvious needs are in the outfield and at shortstop. Trading Tyler Collins and a mid-level pitching prospect would make sense for all parties. Detroit could also include Mike Aviles in any deal to offset Hernandez’ salary.

In fact, a deal involving Collins and Aviles for Hernandez wouldn’t be the end of the world for the Phillies considering their season isn’t going anywhere and Hernandez could leave in free agency. What’s more, they would potentially pick up a younger, controllable outfield option in Collins.

Next: What to Expect from M's Series

If Anthony Gose wasn’t hitting .209 in Toledo, he would have been another name to potentially float in trade talks.

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