Detroit Tigers desperately need bullpen stability in 2018

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 30: Andrew Romine #17 of the Detroit Tigers is congratulated by teammate Shane Greene #61 after getting Zack Granite #8 of the Minnesota Twins out to end their baseball game on September 30, 2017, at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota.(Photo by Andy King/Getty Images) /

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DETROIT, MI – AUGUST 20: Daniel Stumpf #68 of the Detroit Tigers pitches in the ninth inning during a MLB game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Comerica Park on August 20, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers defeated the Dodgers 6-1. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) /

A left-handed bullpen option

Stumpf’s season (0.1 fWAR, 4.49 FIP and a 7.4 swinging strike percentage in 37.2 innings) was by no means perfect in his first year in the Motor City.

However, the southpaw also notched a 80.9 strand rate in 55 appearances, while holding left-handed batters to a .280 wOBA, a .288 slugging percentage and a 1.26 WHIP.

Only 26, If he continues to post numbers like those, he’ll become a useful bullpen option for Gardenhire and company.

By the same token, his presence also allows Labourt to be eased into facing Major League opposition, while also removing the need to lean heavily on Blaine Hardy (5.37 xFIP in 33.1 innings) or Chad Bell (4.79 xFIP in 47 relief frames).

Moving forward

All told, the likes of Greene, Wilson and Stumpf will help the Detroit Tigers bring along the team’s young relievers at a slower pace instead of immediately punting them into the deep end.

A future bullpen consisting of Jimenez, Rondon, Labourt, Garcia, Zac Reininger, Mark Ecker, Paul Voelker and others has the chance to be a dominant force if the group lives up to their potential.

Next: Why Kevin Maitan is the perfect fit for the Tigers

Some stability in 2018 will go a long way towards helping that group reach that potential.