Detroit Tigers: Another Starting Pitcher Needed?

Current Rotation Outlook

Following last season’s results, Fulmer, Boyd and Norris aren’t likely to leave the rotation anytime soon. For that matter, neither is Verlander.

Of the remaining starters, Zimmermann seems the most likely bet to stick as a starter. The former National isn’t likely to consistently pitch like he did during a pair of starts in the second half that saw him allow 12 runs in 2.2 innings.

By the same token, he probably won’t be the same starter who pitched to a 0.55 ERA in his first five starts. However, if he can provide the Tigers with quality innings, double-digit wins and a sub-four ERA, Detroit’s rotation will be in good shape.

Why Detroit Needs Another Starter

If Fulmer, Boyd and Norris continue to develop next season, a rotation consisting of the trio, Verlander and Zimmermann should be good enough to make the postseason. However, Detroit may need another starter.

The young pitchers’ innings limits will still be somewhat of an issue next season. Additionally, the Tigers can’t depend on incumbents like Pelfrey and Sanchez to fill in.

Of starters with at least 100 innings pitched, Pelfrey and Sanchez ranked in the bottom 30 in WHIP, FIP, and xFIP. In fact, Pelfrey owned the worst WHIP and second-worst SIERA in the entire league.

Detroit needs a sixth starter who could step up in the event of an injury. Specifically, they need one who won’t allow baserunners and runs in droves.

Potential Options

With a five-man rotation likely set in stone, Al Avila doesn’t need to break the bank in order to bring in another starting pitcher.

Useful players become available all the time on the waiver market. Over the past year, these three pitchers changed teams on minor deals and went on to find success.

Cincinnati starter Dan Straily, who was claimed off waivers from San Diego in early April, thrived in his new home. The starter posted a 14-8 record while pitching to a 3.76 ERA in 191.1 innings for the Reds.

Fellow National League Central starter Junior Guerra was also claimed on waivers by his current employers. The 31-year-old moved to Milwaukee via waivers and went on to post a 2.81 ERA and a 3.71 FIP in 121. Innings pitched. He also went 9-3 in 20 starts.

Rounding out the trio is Miguel Gonzalez, who was released by the Orioles and latched on with the White Sox. Over 135 innings, the veteran posted nearly identical ERA (3.73) and FIP (3.71) numbers while accumulating a 2.6 WAR.

The Tigers may not find someone who is quite as successful as Straily, Guerra or Gonzalez, but the fact remains that there is quality to be found.

Detroit could find some pitching depth ahead of the Rule 5 draft. Teams needing to place top prospects on their 40-man rosters in order to protect them from the draft will need to clear space. That means some potentially useful players could hit the open market.

Next: How Detroit Trades Anibal Sanchez This Offseason

Seeing as the Tigers could potentially move on from as many as 11 players from the current 40-man roster, Detroit shouldn’t hesitate in adding a solid depth piece.