Detroit Tigers: Significance of a Jordan Zimmermann Bounce-Back Season

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Mar 4, 2017; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann (27) throws a pitch during the first inning of an MLB spring training baseball game against the New York Yankees at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann is a prime bounce-back candidate entering his second season in the Motor City. Here’s how a rebound season from Zimmermann would help the Tigers.

Detroit Tigers fans saw an up-and-down first season out of Jordan Zimmermann in the veteran’s first campaign with the franchise.

A two-time All-Star who had turned in a 18.7 WAR in a five-year stretch with the Washington Nationals from 2011 to 2015, Zimmermann performed like that pitcher in his first 10 starts in a Tigers uniform.

Despite allowing seven runs in his eighth start of the campaign, the starter logged a 2.58 ERA in 66.1 frames.

Zimmermann didn’t strike out too many batters, with just 43 punch outs in that span. However, he limited mistakes with just 13 walks and six home runs allowed. All told, opposing batters managed just a .281 on-base percentage against the former National.

While those outings were excellent, injuries and ineffectiveness limited Zimmermann the rest of the way.

From June 8 on, the right-hander made nine appearances, totaling 39 innings pitched. His ERA over that span sat at 8.77, while opposing batters turned in a 1.070 OPS.

Fast forward to the beginning of Spring Training 2017, and Zimmermann is poised for a bounce-back campaign.

Once again healthy, the starting pitcher is rounding into form ahead of the regular season.

He’s been by no means perfect in Grapefruit League play, but the 30-year-old allowed just two hits, a walk and a run in his last spring start.

Feb 24, 2017; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Warwick Saupold (53) throws a pitch during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Significance of a Rebound

Heading into the 2017 regular season, the Detroit Tigers’ rotation will be headed up by Justin Verlander and Michael Fulmer.

Daniel Norris seems another likely starter, while either Matt Boyd or Anibal Sanchez will claim the fifth spot.

Zimmermann figures to fall somewhere between Verlander and Sanchez in terms of the rotation.

On paper, the ex-Nat will likely slot in behind the former MVP and Fulmer as the third starter.

A return to the form Zimmermann showcased in Washington, and in the first part of last season, should help Detroit return to the postseason.

While the veteran missed time down the stretch last season, the Tigers were forced to rely on other options to fill out the rotation.

While Zimmermann’s absence partly allowed Fulmer, Norris and Boyd to establish themselves at the Major League level, it also opened up too many opportunity for Sanchez and Mike Pelfrey.

The veteran duo didn’t exactly impress.

In 13 starts and a lone relief outing in the second half, the former Marlin turned in a 4.45 FIP and a 1.25 WHIP.

Sanchez allowed five or more runs in three starts after July 15. He only reached the seventh inning in three of his 12 outings over that span, often exposing the bullpen.

Meanwhile, Pelfrey appeared in just six games (five starts) after July 15. He never threw more than 5.1 innings, and twice last just 1.2 frames.

Opposing batters registered a .418 on-base percentage and a .901 OPS in those outings.

Even if Zimmermann made just a handful of effective starts in that stretch in place of Sanchez or Pelfrey, there’s a good chance that the Tigers—who finished just 2.5 games out of the last Wild Card place— would have made the playoffs.

Mar 26, 2017; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann (27) throws a pitch during the first inning of a MLB spring training baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

2017 Implications

With Zimmermann back in the rotation, it will greatly improve the Detroit Tigers rotation depth.

Thanks to Anibal Sanchez’ recent spring resurgence, Detroit now has six dependable starters. What’s more, the likes of Buck Farmer, Warwick Saupold, Myles Jaye and Chad Bell can provide innings if called upon.

Additionally, Zimmermann’s potential resurgence should help the Tigers improve in 2017.

The starting pitcher routinely posted WAR numbers of 3.0 or higher during his time in the National League East. His best campaign came in 2014 when he logged a 5.3 WAR in 199.2 innings for Washington.

If the veteran finds that form, it will go a long way towards helping Brad Ausmus and company reclaim the American League Central crown, as well as a spot in the postseason.

Playoffs

Additionally, should Jordan Zimmermann pitch like the starter who finished in the top seven in All-Star voting in consecutive seasons from 2013 to 2014, the Tigers would have an imposing trio of front-line pitchers who could match up with any other team’s top starters in the postseason.

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If Zimmermann rebounds, there’s a very good chance we’ll see Verlander, Fulmer and the former National starting the first three games of a playoff series come October.

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Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann is a prime bounce-back candidate entering his second season in the Motor City. Here’s how a rebound season from Zimmermann would help the Tigers.

Significance of a Rebound

2017 Implications

Playoffs

Schedule