Detroit Tigers: Why Tyson Ross is worth a flier right now

Track record

The former Padre was highly successful in a three-year run in a San Diego uniform from 2013 to 2015.

Ross worked to a cumulative 9.3 WAR over that span, while totaling 516.2 innings. He struck out 9.16 batters per nine innings while posting a 3.07 ERA, a 3.13 FIP and a 3.23 xFIP.

However, after missing most of 2016 due injury, Ross debuted with Texas in May after undergoing surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome last October.

His numbers in 2017 have been less than stellar.

In 12 appearances, including 10 starts, Ross turned in a 7.71 ERA, a 6.17 FIP and a 6.29 xFIP in 49 innings.

He struck out just 6.61 batters per nine frames to go along with a 1.837 WHIP.

Additionally, his average fastball velocity is down according to FanGraphs.

So yeah, none of that is great, but if Ross can turn things around and find some of the form he showcased in San Diego, he’d make for an excellent trade chip down the line.

As it stands, the Tigers are in need of rotation place holders to hold things down until the likes of Franklin Perez, Grayson Long, Beau Burrows and Matt Hall—all of whom found success in Double-A this season—make it to the Majors.