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

Potential Role in 2016

Anibal Sanchez role on the 2017 Detroit Tigers pitching staff remains to be seen.

The rotation is likely full, with Justin Verlander, Michael Fulmer, Matt Boyd, Daniel Norris and Jordan Zimmermann leading the way. Elsewhere, Buck Farmer, Chad Bell and Myles Jaye can all provide starting depth.

Obviously, this is all without mentioning another veteran starter who struggled last season in Mike Pelfrey. Pelfrey could also step in and start if need be.

Due to the rotation depth, Sanchez’ struggles and a hefty contract that will see him make $16.8 million next season (per Sportac), the pitcher could conceivably be expendable.

His name has already come up in trade rumors, and it would do wonders for Detroit’s payroll if the ex-Marlin is dealt.

Relief Role?

Should Sanchez pitch for the Detroit Tigers next season, he could fit in as a reliever.

The veteran found success there last season. He’d give manager Brad Ausmus a pitcher to utilize who can eat multiple innings out of the bullpen.

In the same role, Sanchez could also make the occasional spot start. The likes of Fulmer, Boyd and Norris are still developing, and the team may not want to saddle them too heavily with substantial workloads.

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Detroit could utilize the former Florida pitcher to help in that regard.