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Detroit Tigers 2016 Review: Mark Lowe

By Ben Rosener |
Jul 29, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; (EDITORS NOTE: Multiple Exposure Image) Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Mark Lowe (21) pitches in the eighth inning against the Houston Astros at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 29, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; (EDITORS NOTE: Multiple Exposure Image) Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Mark Lowe (21) pitches in the eighth inning against the Houston Astros at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
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Feb 27, 2016; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers player Mark Lowe during media photo day at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2016; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers player Mark Lowe during media photo day at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Detroit Tigers reliever Mark Lowe struggled in his first season in the Motor City. Initially a late-inning option for Brad Ausmus, Lowe was eventually demoted to working in blowouts.

Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila did a solid job in rebuilding the team’s bullpen.

Working mainly in the trade market, Avila acquired Justin Wilson and Francisco Rodriguez in deals that didn’t mortgage the future for the Tigers.

Part of the general manager’s strategy to rebuild the unit included signing reliever Mark Lowe.

The 33-year-old was coming off an excellent 2015 campaign split between Seattle and Toronto.

Starting the year in the Pacific Northwest, Lowe thrived pitching as one of then-manager Lloyd McClendon’s top setup relievers. The veteran posted a 1.00 ERA and a 1.88 FIP—not to mention 47 strikeouts—in just 36 innings pitched.

Following a mid-season trade to the Blue Jays, Lowe registered a 3.79 ERA and a 3.87 FIP in 19 innings pitched.

Avila and the Tigers inked the reliever in the offseason to a two-year deal. Per Spotrac, Lowe made $5.5 million last year and is slated to make the same amount during the 2018 season.

Here’s a recap of Lowe’s first season in a Tigers uniform. Additionally, will he return in 2017?

Feb 21, 2016; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Mark Lowe (21) and starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) high five fans on their way to practice at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 21, 2016; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Mark Lowe (21) and starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) high five fans on their way to practice at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

2016 Stats of Note

Lowe didn’t have the best 2016 season in Detroit.

His run prevention numbers ballooned across the board. His ERA (7.11), FIP (5.66), xFIP (4.76) and SIERA (4.07) all left much to be desired.

While the ex-Mariner’s SIERA number suggests he’s a better pitcher than his 7.11 ERA indicated, it is still too high of a number for a player Detroit is investing over $10 million in to pitch out of the bullpen.

The reliever was hit particularly hard by American League Central opposition. Cleveland collected six hits, four runs and three home runs off Lowe in six innings, while the White Sox totaled seven hits of their own, plus five earned runs, five walks and a pair of home runs in six frames.

Pitching against Kansas City was particularly unkind to Lowe. OF the 30 Royals the veteran faced in five innings, 15 reached base. In addition to being tagged for 12 hits and three walks, Lowe also allowed nine runs while only striking out one batter.

Comerica Park Numbers

Despite holding batters to a .232 batting average in 25.1 innings pitched at Comerica Park, Lowe still posted a 5.68 ERA at the stadium. This was mainly due to him handing out 10 free passes and allowing six home runs over the same span.

Sep 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Mark Lowe (21) celebrates with catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia (39) after defeating the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The Tigers won 8-1. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Mark Lowe (21) celebrates with catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia (39) after defeating the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The Tigers won 8-1. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

2017 Outlook

It remains to be seen whether Lowe, like a number of others, will return next season.

The Detroit Tigers are likely going to be saying goodbye to some veterans with hefty contracts in order to set up a more financially-sustainable future.

While Lowe showed signs of improvement with a 2.95 ERA and a .192 batting average over his final 21.1 innings, his expiring contract may be too hefty to move given his overall numbers.

As with Anibal Sanchez and Mike Pelfrey, Detroit could add Lowe and his contract to any potential deal involving J.D. Martinez, Francisco Rodriguez, Cameron Maybin or one of the team’s other trade chips.

This would do wonders in terms of helping Avila clear salary from Detroit’s bloated payroll.

However, if the right-hander isn’t dealt, he’ll head into next season looking to rebound. His numbers down the stretch, including 25 punch outs in those 21.1 innings of work, suggest Lowe has the potential to bounce back.

Next: Trading J.D. May Be Best Move for Tigers Now & Later

Should Lowe stick around, he’d likely be in the mix to pitch earlier in games. If he comes out of the gate pitching similar to the way he did in 2015, there’s no reason he can’t work his way into late-game situations.

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