
Buck Farmer
Age: 26
Position: Starting Pitcher
Throws: Right-Handed
Already on Detroit’s 40-man roster, Buck Farmer could provide the team with a spot start or two if the need arises.
The right-hander seems to be figuring things out in Triple-A, with 47 strikeouts compared to just nine walks in 48.2 frames. Farmer has also logged a 3.51 ERA in eight starts.
If he doesn’t work as a starter, it is possible the right-hander could work in a similar role to Bell as a long-relief arm.
Bruce Rondon
Age: 26
Position: Relief Pitcher
Throws: Right-Handed
A mainstay in the Detroit Tigers’ bullpen down the stretch last season, Rondon struggled initially in 2017. He surrendered six runs, four hits and three walks in just 1.1 innings.
All told, that spits out to a 40.50 ERA.
The flame-throwing reliever has found success in Toledo, notching a 0.82 ERA and 12 punch outs in 11 innings. His nine walks over the same span are somewhat concerning, but it is good to see Rondon missing bats and posting zeroes again.
If he can pitch like the Bruce Rondon who thrived in 2016 (11.15 strikeouts per nine innings, 0.963 WHIP and a 2.95 SIERA), Detroit’s bullpen will be in excellent shape.