Detroit Tigers: Predicting the Starting Rotation

Mar 2, 2017; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) throws a pitch during the third inning of a MLB spring training baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2017; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) throws a pitch during the third inning of a MLB spring training baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
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Detroit Tigers
Feb 27, 2017; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann (27) throws a pitch during the first inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Jordan Zimmermann
Age: 30
Throws: Right-Handed
Years of Major League Experience: Eight
2016 Stat of Note: 1.50 ERA in His First Seven Starts

A rebound season from Jordan Zimmermann will be key for the Detroit Tigers playoff hopes in the 2017 season.

The eight-year veteran joined the franchise as a free agent after spending the previous seven seasons with the club that drafted him—the Washington Nationals.

Zimmermann came with a significant track record, having appeared in two All-Star Games for the National League East franchise.

During his time with the Nationals, the starter routinely posted WAR numbers north of 3.0, while also posting a 3.14 ERA and a 3.30 FIP.

The veteran also led the league in wins back in 2013 with 19, while winning at least 12 contests from 2012 to 2015.

Zimmermann seemed likely to post another season with similar numbers in his debut campaign in Detroit.

In his first 48 innings, the 30-year-old pitched to a 1.50 ERA while holding batters to a .232 batting average, a .276 on-base percentage and a .596 OPS.

All told, Zimmermann only struck out 28 batters over that span, but he only walked 11 and surrendered three home runs.

If the former National can post similar numbers to the ones he displayed at the beginning of his Tigers career—or at least stats that resemble his Washington numbers—Detroit should be in an excellent position to contend for a World Series.

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