Detroit Tigers: With Michael Fulmer out for season, focus should shift to identifying future rotation fits

The current options

So far in September, it has been just that—difficult.

Buck Farmer’s winning effort on September 8 has been the only real bright spot. In the 5-4 win against Toronto, Farmer allowed just five hits, one earned run and a pair of walks in five frames.

However, that start was preceded by a three-inning effort where Cleveland jumped on the right-hander for five runs, three walks and a trio of hits in three innings.

Jaye didn’t allow a run in his first 5.2 relief outings.

That being said, he was also hit hard by Cleveland in his first start as Detroit’s American League Central rivals tagged the 25-year-old for seven runs on seven hits, two walks and a home run in just 3.2 frames.

Lewicki also had troubles against another American League Central foe.

The former eighth-round pick was hit around for 11 base knocks in five innings against Kansas City in his Major League debut. He also surrendered a home run and five runs.

Rounding out the list is Bell, who has spent most of the season working out of Detroit’s bullpen as a long reliever.

So far in two starts, he’s yet to make it to the five-inning plateau.

Bell has thrown a combined 8.2 frames against Cleveland and Toronto, striking out six and allowing 13 hits, seven runs (all earned), five walks and a home run in the process.