Detroit Tigers should replace Anibal Sanchez in rotation for time being

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BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 05: Drew VerHagen #54 of the Detroit Tigers pitches in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 5, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) /

Potential replacements

As it stands, Detroit could go in a number of different directions.

The most obvious choice in the long run is to keep Drew VerHagen in the rotation.

Currently filling in for Michael Fulmer, who is on the disabled list, VerHagen could simply stay in a starting role in place of Sanchez when Fulmer returns.

VerHagen allowed just four hits, two runs, two walks and a home run in five innings against the O’s, while striking out three.

The Tigers could also turn to Buck Farmer to immediately replace Sanchez.

Farmer is already on the 40-man roster and is on a run of fine form with Triple-A Toledo.

He allowed just three earned runs combined in his last three starts (24.1 innings) while striking out 16 batters.

Warwick Saupold, who turned in a 2.90 ERA in 40.1 innings as a starter with Toledo and has worked in long relief in the Majors this season, could also be a fit.

Another potential fit is Chad Bell.

The southpaw has a higher strikeout percentage (19.4%) in the Majors than VerHagen and Saupold this season. However, he’s also sporting a 5.01 FIP in 35.1 frames.

Next: Replacing Cameron Maybin with Mikie Mahtook looks shrewd

Whoever the ideal pick would be for the Detroit Tigers, the team needs to make a move in the rotation in order to keep the team competitive down the stretch.

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