Detroit Tigers: Potential X-Factors for the 2017 Season

Jordan Zimmermann
Position: Starting Pitcher
Age: 30
Throws: Right Handed

Last season, the Detroit Tigers began the season with a veteran-heavy rotation.

Justin Verlander led the way, with Jordan Zimmermann, Anibal Sanchez, Shane Greene and Mike Pelfrey filling out the rest of the group.

Verlander obviously still headlines Detroit’s rotation. However, of the remaining group, only Zimmermann remains in the rotation picture.

Much of that has to do with the veteran’s track record.

From 2011 to 2014, Zimmermann won an average of 13 games while posting an overall ERA of 3.00.

He averaged 192 innings per campaign, while never posting FIP over 3.52.

The former Washington Nationals starter looked the part early for the Tigers last season, posting a 2.58 ERA while holding opposing batters to a .281 on-base percentage in his first 10 starts.

In those 10 starts, Detroit went 8-2 while the veteran racked up 66.1 innings pitched.

Should Zimmermann pitch like he did early in 2016, the Detroit Tigers will be in an excellent position to return to the postseason.

A bounce-back season from the veteran will be particularly important in the playoffs, as it would allow Detroit to slot in a proven arm behind Verlander and Michael Fulmer in a series.

Next: Tigers Make Moves

With a trio of Verlander, Fulmer and Jordan Zimmermann all pitching effectively at the top of Detroit’s rotation, the Tigers will boast one of the league’s top starting pitching units.