Detroit Tigers: Pitching Prospects Stats So Far in Spring Training

Detroit Tigers players haven’t had the best spring so far, but results don’t hold as much value as long as the team is prepared for the regular season. Here’s a look at some of Detroit’s pitching prospects.

Detroit Tigers fans have seen plenty of prospects develop into key Major League pieces over the last few seasons.

From Nick Castellanos, Bruce Rondon and James McCann to Daniel Norris and Matt Boyd, there have been plenty of new additions joining from the minor leagues.

One of Detroit’s best prospects, Michael Fulmer, even took home Rookie of the Year honors last season.

The Tigers enter the 2017 regular season with a veteran-laden roster, leaving few roster spots open for non-roster invitees or prospects to compete for.

However, despite that, Detroit has seen a number of young players perform well so far in Spring Training.

Despite overall struggles from the pitching staff, some Tigers pitching prospects have had some solid showings.

At this point, the respective sample sizes are on the small side of things considering the Tigers have played just 13 games so far and most players are only seeing limited action.

Still, a number of players have made an impact.

Here’s a breakdown of the numbers of some of Detroit’s prospects in Spring Training play.

Ruben Alaniz
Age: 25
Position: Relief Pitcher

The Detroit Tigers may have found another gem from the Houston Astros farm system. Ruben Alaniz, a hard-throwing reliever, pitched to a 2.69 ERA and 9.0 strikeouts per nine frames in 73.2 innings split between Double-A and Triple-A.

So far, Alaniz has appeared in three contests this spring. He’s racked up five strikeouts while allowing just three hits and a walk in four scoreless innings.

If the right-hander can keep it up, it wouldn’t be a shock to see him make his Major League debut this season.

Sandy Baez
Age: 23
Position: Starting Pitcher

Baez won’t compete for a starting job, or even a Major League roster spot this spring considering he just finished his first season in Single-A.

However, the right-hander is a name to watch for the future and will likely be part of Detroit’s rotation down the line.

So far, Baez has tossed four innings over two appearances. In total, the prospect has given up just a walk and a home run while punching out six.

Joe Jimenez
Age: 22
Position: Relief Pitcher

A potential bullpen piece this season, and Detroit’s closer of the future, Jimenez has appeared in a pair of games so far.

In outings against Atlanta and Tampa Bay, Jimenez has allowed three hits, an earned run and a walk. However, he’s gotten all six of his outs via the strikeout so far.

That rate isn’t sustainable, but it is certainly encouraging.