Detroit Tigers: Finding a Role for Mike Pelfrey

Detroit Tigers fans saw Mike Pelfrey struggle in his first season in the Motor City. The veteran turned in a 5.06 xFIP in 119 innings last year. With a full rotation, Pelfrey doesn’t have a defined role.

Detroit Tigers pitcher Mike Pelfrey was signed to provide quality innings for the club in 2016.

By and large, that didn’t happen.

Unfortunately, Pelfrey was tagged for too many base runners. The veteran allowed 160 hits and 46 walks in only 119 frames.

On some occasions, the right-hander would miraculously keep those runners off the board.

However, those occasions were few and far between.

In only his second start of the season, Pelfrey allowed six walks and five hits in six innings in Houston. He only gave up one run against the Astros.

The starter also gave up eight hits and a walk while limiting the White Sox to just one run in 5.1 frames.

While those instances were obvious positives, base runners generally tended to cross home plate against Pelfrey.

More from Detroit Tigers News

• Detroit Tigers: Victor Reyes finding ways to get the job done
• The Detroit Tigers must cut their losses and release Jonathan Schoop
• Detroit Tigers: Garrett Hill’s new role and changed delivery are excellent
• Detroit Tigers: Joe Jiménez has rebounded in 2022
• Detroit Tigers: Is it finally time to move the fences in at Comerica Park?

In 22 starts, the 33-year-old never pitched more than 6.2 innings.

Pelfrey allowed 10 or more base runners in a game seven different times. What’s more, he was tagged for at least 11 hits on three different occasions.

The former New York Met posted a 5.07 ERA, a 5.06 xFIP, a 5.15 FIP and a 5.25 SIERA.

A return to the rotation on a full-time basis doesn’t seem likely for the starting pitcher.

In addition to Pelfrey’s struggles, he’s been buried on the depth chart by Matt Boyd, Daniel Norris and Anibal Sanchez.

Would a Trade Make Sense?

A trade could be provide a solution.

The Detroit Tigers are no strangers to Spring Training trades, having previously flipped Bryan Holaday to Texas last season.

Detroit will obviously have to find a taker for Pelfrey’s salary, but there are teams in need of starting pitching.

San Diego, Anaheim, Baltimore and Colorado stand out as speculative fits. What’s more, there’s always the possibility of an injury creating a need somewhere in the league.

Potential Bullpen Solution

However, if the Tigers don’t trade Pelfrey, a move to the bullpen could conceivably work.

Purely based on his ability to induce ground outs, the pitcher could find success as a reliever.

While he didn’t miss many bats last season (4.2 strikeouts per nine innings), Pelfrey’s stuff could play up somewhat in the bullpen, which could lead to better results.

The 33-year-old could operate as a swingman of sorts, pitching multiple innings of relief when necessary.

If he can keep opposing hitters off base, this could benefit Detroit as it would ease the burden on the rest of the relievers.

Of the Tigers current bullpen options, Chad Bell and Buck Farmer stand out as the only pitchers who could throw multiple frames on a consistent basis.

Next: Victor Martinez Is Really Good at Hitting Baseballs

Neither is a lock to make the team, so perhaps Pelfrey could find a role there.