Detroit Tigers: Projecting Long-Term Replacements for Veterans Part 2

Mark Lowe
Age: 33
Position: Relief Pitcher
Contract Expires Following the 2017 Season

Brought in with Rodriguez and Justin Wilson to help the back end of the bullpen, Lowe struggled in his first campaign in the Motor City.

Over the span of 49.1 frames, the veteran right-hander turned in an ERA of 7.11.

While his 5.66 FIP and 4.07 SIERA suggest he was much better than his sky-high ERA would suggest, Lowe wasn’t the same reliever who logged a 1.00 ERA in the first half of 2015 with Seattle.

There’s hope for a rebound next year, as Lowe posted a 2.95 ERA over his final 21.1 innings.

Potential Long-Term Replacement: TBD

While Rodriguez has a defined role, therefore making it easier to tab a replacement, Lowe doesn’t.

After losing his gig as a setup reliever, the longtime Mariner didn’t have role in the bullpen for much of the season—often pitching in blowouts.

Should Lowe begin to pitch late in games again during the 2017 season, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see one of the team’s young power relief prospects.

Adam Ravenelle, Paul Voelker and Drew Smith all fit the bill as hard-throwing relievers who could eventually serve as setup men.