Detroit Tigers: Two Potentially Useful Relievers Are Available

Ryan Webb

Entering 2016, the highest ERA Ryan Webb posted in a season was 4.03. That came in 2012 with the Miami Marlins. Other than that, the reliever has been solid since entering the Majors in 2009.

From 2009 to 2015, the 30-year-old posted a solid 3.35 ERA in 376 innings split between five different franchises. What’s more, the right-hander’s FIP (3.43) wasn’t far off from his ERA.

Webb has never been a pitcher who racks up strikeout numbers, as evidenced by 6.2 strikeouts per nine innings from 2009 to 2015. However, pitchers like Alex Wilson and Kyle Ryan have proven this season that you don’t need to post gaudy strikeout numbers in order to find success.

The 2016 season has been a struggle for the former Marlin, but Webb found success with Cleveland last year, pitching to a 3.20 ERA in 50.2 innings. So far this season, the veteran has logged 17.1 innings for the Rays, allowing 27 hits and 10 earned runs. In terms of ERA, that comes out to a 5.19 number.

Despite the unsightly ERA, Webb could find success in Detroit.

While he did allow a rather high number of hits and runs, the reliever only walked three batters. One of those walks was intentional. His FIP was also 3.90, suggesting that the Tampa Bay defense didn’t do him many favors.

He could spend time in Triple-A given Detroit’s current relievers, but if Webb can pitch at the level he has entire career, he could positively contribute to the bullpen.

In more obscure news, it would make for good trivia to have Webb on the roster. The reliever and Edward Mujica were traded by San Diego to the Marlins for current Tiger Cameron Maybin. As many obviously remember, Maybin was dealt to the Fish for another current member of the Detroit roster—Miguel Cabrera.