Detroit Tigers: Players Who Could Be Called Up When Rosters Expand

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Jul 16, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Dustin Molleken (50) pitches in the third inning against the Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Swingmen

The Detroit Tigers starting pitching has been excellent as of late. While Justin Verlander is excelling and Anibal Sanchez is looking like his old self, the most encouraging sign has been the development of the team’s young starters. Michael Fulmer, Matt Boyd and Daniel Norris have shown well in 2016, and look to be part of the Detroit rotation for the foreseeable future.

However, all three are still young. Inning and pitch counts could come into play. That being said, having a reliable swingman would hurt.

Detroit hasn’t really had one at all this season, but the team could turn to three players on the 40-man roster to fill the role.

Donn Roach

First and foremost is recent acquisition Donn Roach. Claimed off waivers from Seattle, the former Mariner is pitching brilliantly so far with Toledo.

The right-hander has allowed just two runs and two walks in 18 innings while striking out 11. Over those 18 innings, which have accounted for three starts, Roach also owns a 1.00 ERA and a 0.722 WHIP.

Like Hicks, he’s already on the 40-man roster and is a solid fit for the Tigers.

Dustin Molleken and Warwick Saupold

In addition to Roach, the Tigers boast a pair of minor league veterans who could also fill in as a swingman.

So far in 53.2 innings pitched for Toledo, the versatile Molleken sports a 3.86 ERA. Of his 36 appearances, he’s started five games and finished seven while notching a save. Like Farmer, Molleken’s ability to throw multiple frames is an added bonus.

Molleken made his Major League debut for the Tigers this season and notched a 3.03 FIP in 8.1 innings pitched.

Warwick Saupold also made his Major League debut in 2016 with Detroit. Also similar to Molleken, he showed he can get outs at the highest level. In 9.2 innings pitched, the native of Australia recorded a 2.32 FIP and a 3.29 SIERA.

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With Toledo, the 26-year-old notched a 2.74 ERA in 62.1 innings pitched. Additionally, he’s started 10 games for Lloyd McClendon’s club.

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