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

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DETROIT, MI – AUGUST 4: Al Avila laughs during a news conference at Comerica Park after he was promoted to executive vice president of baseball operations and general manager on August 4, 2015 in Detroit, Michigan. Avila replaces Dave Dombrowski who was the Tigers’ general manager since 2002. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

The future is now—well, almost

It isn’t unreasonable to think that the likes of Perez, Long, Burrows and Hall could be in the Majors by the second half of 2018.

Until the prospects’ debuts, Detroit needs starters to form a bridge between the current rotation and the future one.

Michael Fulmer is an obvious lock for the long haul. However, outside of him there are plenty of question marks in the rotation.

Matthew Boyd and Daniel Norris seem to have taken steps backwards this season, while Jordan Zimmermann and Anibal Sanchez are both sporting FIPs north of 5.30.

Then there’s the Farmer, Lewicki and Jaye trio, who have struggled down the stretch.

Adding Ross to help eat innings as a placeholder for a prospect could be a worthwhile gamble for the Detroit Tigers.

This is all speculative mind you, but bringing in the now former Ranger on a two-year deal (covering the tail end of 2017 and all of next season) could make for an intriguing situation for Detroit.

He’d give the team another option down the stretch first and foremost.

What’s more, should he rediscover the form that made him an All-Star with San Diego, Ross could bring in more prospects in a deal at next season’s trade deadline.

Next: Tigers are in need of SPs

That would help Avila build a more successful and sustainable future, while also clearing a rotation spot for a prospect like Perez or Long.

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