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Detroit Tigers: Organization’s next wave of prospects is getting closer

By Ben Rosener

MIAMI, FL - JULY 09: Beau Burrows #55 of the Detroit Tigers and the U.S. Team delivers the pitch against the World Team during the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game at Marlins Park on July 9, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - JULY 09: Beau Burrows #55 of the Detroit Tigers and the U.S. Team delivers the pitch against the World Team during the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game at Marlins Park on July 9, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – JULY 09: Jairo Labourt #53 of the Detroit Tigers and the World Team delivers the pitch against the U.S. Team during the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game at Marlins Park on July 9, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Pitching staff part 2

Tyler Alexander

Tyler Alexander doesn’t strike out a ton of batters—just 7.2 per nine frames in his career—but he helps offset those numbers by limiting walks.

The starter has been hit hard at times with Erie this year, allowing 12.5 hits and 1.6 home runs per nine innings.

However, he’s also continued to limit walks with just 16 free passes handed out in 90.2 innings.

That control should help him reach the Majors.

Gerson Moreno

One of the Detroit Tigers many hard-throwing relief prospects, Moreno notched a 2.01 ERA, 12.1 strikeouts per nine innings and a 1.209 WHIP with Advanced-A Lakeland before making the jump to Erie.

He’s struggled so far in terms of allowing runs to score, posting a 5.17 ERA in 15.2 frames. However, his strikeout rate (12.6 per nine) and WHIP (1.085) are both improvements on his Lakeland numbers.

Paul Voelker

Another power arm, Voelker flirts with triple digits on the radar gun. In 20.2 minor league innings this season, the right-hander has struck out 21 batters in 20.2 frames while allowing just three walks.

Jairo Labourt

Labourt previously pitched for Double-A Erie this season, but has already made the move to Triple-A Toledo. Because of this, he’s obviously closer to the Majors.

The reliever has been solid this year, striking out 12 batters per nine innings, while walking just 2.9 per nine frames in 49.1 innings.

Labourt’s ability to cut down on walks has helped him post better results coming out of the bullpen.

The southpaw walked 7.2 batters per nine innings in 2016, and 4.8 per nine frames in 2015. His WHIP stats those years? 1.612 and 1.546.

This year, Labourt is sitting on a 0.993 WHIP.

Next: Joe Jimenez should be used more in second half, regardless of trades

After having an up-and-down first outing with Toledo (three walks, two hits and two runs allowed, but also three strikeouts), the former Toronto farmhand has allowed just two walks and no hits in five innings while punching out five.

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