Detroit Tigers: Which Tampa Bay Starting Pitcher is Best Fit?

Easily the most familiar name on this list, former Tiger Drew Smyly could also be the most attainable where trading is concerned.

Once Alex Cobb returns later in the season, Smyly may be the odd man out of the Tampa rotation given his struggles this season.

In 16 starts so far in 2016, the 27-year-old has a career-worst 5.33 ERA and 4.30 FIP in 96.1 innings pitched. Since debuting in 2012, the pitcher’s ERA and FIP have never been above 4.00 in a season, so there’s reason to believe he can turn it around. His 108 strikeouts are a positive, but Smyly’s stat line is hardly something to write home about.

This is all without mentioning Smyly’s 2-9 record. By comparison, Mike Pelfrey has seven losses on the season.

Perhaps a return to Comerica Park, where Smyly is the owner of a 3.64 ERA in 146 innings, would help.

Next: Norris and Zimmermann Injured at Worst Time

In terms of a trade, Detroit could dangle a pitching prospect like Kevin Ziomek or Austin Kubitza. Position-player prospects blocked on the organizational depth chart, like third baseman Zach Shepherd, first baseman Dominic Ficociello or catchers Arvicent Perez and Grayson Greiner could also be used in a potential trade.

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