Detroit Tigers 2016 Review: Anibal Sanchez’ Up and Down Season

Detroit Tigers witnessed an up and down season from pitcher Anibal Sanchez in 2016. The veteran starter also spent time in relief as he struggled to find consistency.

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Anibal Sanchez didn’t have the best season in 2016.

The veteran starter struggled, often following up an excellent start by getting blown out the next time around.

Sanchez previously joined the Tigers in a trade deadline deal in 2012. Then general manager Dave Dombrowski acquired the starter, along with Omar Infante, from his former employers.

Dombrowski and the rest of the Detroit front office sent catcher Rob Brantly and pitchers Jacob Turner and Brian Flynn to the Marlins in the transactions.

At first, the move paid immediate dividends for the Tigers.

Sanchez logged a 3.68 FIP down the stretch and turned in three excellent playoff starts.

To follow that up, the ex-Marlin finished fourth in the American League Cy Young voting in 2013, taking home the ERA crown and a 6.0 WAR in the process.

The 2014 season also brought success, in the form of an excellent 2.71 FIP. However, the success seemed to stop there.

Sanchez allowed more home runs than any other pitcher en route to a 4.99 ERA and a 4.73 FIP in 2015. While the starter didn’t lead the league in long balls allowed, he was still tagged for 30 home runs.

Here’s a review of his 2016 season.