Detroit Tigers May Need to Add Another Starting Pitcher for Stretch Run

Internal Options

Dustin Molleken and Buck Farmer are two options, but both shouldn’t be used for anything more than a spot start. The duo may also be better suited for relief roles.

Molleken is already on the 40-man roster and made five starts for Toledo. However, it remains to be seen whether he’ll be recalled in September.

Another pitcher with starting experience in Toledo is Farmer. While Farmer has already been called up, he struggled against Baltimore. The O’s tagged the former top prospect for five hits, four runs, two walks and a home run in just three innings.

Donn Roach posted solid numbers with Toledo and would have been an option, but he was lost on waivers earlier in the month.

Two potential names to watch are Chad Bell and Myles Jaye. Both have thrown well in the upper minors this season and may contribute to the Tigers in the future. Neither are on the 40-man roster at the moment. Like Molleken, it remains to be seen whether Detroit will call up either player.

In other words, it may be time to look outside the organization for some help.

Should Detroit acquire a starter, they would be unable to compete on the postseason roster. However, if the playoffs started today, Ausmus’ playoff rotation would likely consist of Justin Verlander, Michael Fulmer, Matt Boyd and Daniel Norris, so the team wouldn’t need the new starter once they reach October.

Additionally, the acquired starter would be a solid trade chip or depth piece heading into the offseason and next season.