Detroit Tigers: Now more than ever, team needs starting pitching depth

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Even with Boyd in the Major League rotation, there was an argument to be made for more reinforcements where starters were concerned.

Now, with Boyd in Toledo, the need grows even more so.

Warwick Saupold and Chad Bell could both be fits, but both have looked strong coming out of the bullpen.

Saupold hasn’t allowed a run in his last 6.1 frames, and has only given up three on the season. All three runs came on a trio of solo shots in mop-up duty against the Rays.

Elsewhere, William Cuevas, who was starting games with Triple-A Toledo, is now on the free agent market after electing free agency following the team designating him for assignment.

Speaking of Triple-A Toledo, the Anibal Sanchez experience hasn’t exactly turned things around at the minors’ highest level.

In 10.2 innings, Sanchez has struck out 13 batters, but he’s also been tagged for 13 hits, seven earned runs, four walks and three home runs.

Buck Farmer, who struck out 11 in 6.1 shutout innings in his first start of 2017 with the Tigers, seems like the most logic al choice to fill in for Boyd.

However, even if Farmer is called up and finds success, more depth is needed.

In addition to Sanchez, Toledo has used the likes of Drew VerHagen (4.89 ERA, 1.530 WHIP) and Anthony Vasquez (6.28 ERA, 1.500 WHIP) in starting roles.