Detroit Tigers: As it stands, Ryan Carpenter should be front runner for fifth rotation spot

One of the PCL’s best

In terms of run-prevention stats, the starter logged a 4.15 ERA, a 4.22 FIP and a 3.92 xFIP.

While those numbers don’t jump off the page, it’s also worth noting that the former Colorado farmhand finished seventh among all Pacific Coast League pitchers, who threw at least 100, innings in ERA.

He also checked in at third in FIP and second in xFIP.

He’s also should be the front runner to be the Detroit Tigers’ fifth starting pitcher.

The competition

Ryan Carpenter hasn’t appeared in a Major League game, he’s still seems like a superior option to the Tigers other options for the final spot in the rotation.

Barring any offseason movement in the rotation, Michael Fulmer, Matthew Boyd, Jordan Zimmermann and Daniel Norris will slot in as Detroit’s first four starters.

At this point if the quartet are on the roster come Spring Training, they’ll be lining up in the rotation—that much is set in stone.

The lack of a fifth candidate set in stone opens the door for Carpenter.

In addition to the ex-Rays and Rockies prospect, the Tigers could turn to fellow starters Buck Farmer, Chad Bell, Artie Lewicki or perhaps Warwick Saupold.