Detroit Tigers: Predicting the 2018 bullpen

The Detroit Tigers currently have six starting pitchers fighting for five rotation spots.

Michael Fulmer is a lock to make the rotation.

Jordan Zimmermann, despite his struggles, seems like a lock as well.

Daniel Norris is someone the Tigers are highly invested in, so as long as he is healthy he will be in the rotation.

Mike Fiers was signed primarily because of his durability, having thrown over 150 innings three seasons in a row. It would seem silly to move him to the bullpen.

That leaves left-hander Matt Boyd and the recently signed Ryan Carpenter to battle it out for the last starting spot in the rotation.

It is conceivable that whomever does not win the rotation spot will pitch out of the bullpen in 2018.

Boyd or Carpenter?

Matt Boyd is out of options heading into the 2018 season. If he does not beat out Ryan Carpenter (or anyone else for that matter) for a spot in the rotation, the Tigers will either have to expose him to waivers or bring him out of the bullpen.

The Tigers have shown a willingness to bring starters out of the bullpen in the past.

In the last two years, both Mike Pelfrey and Anibal Sanchez were used out of the pen.

Boyd made 25 starts for the Tigers last season, pitching to a 5.27 ERA. He likely has the upper hand, at least for now, on the unproven Carpenter.

Carpenter is older than Boyd and has yet to make the Major Leagues.

However, if Carpenter outpitches Boyd in spring training there is a chance the Tigers will give him the rotation spot. If he does not, he will likely start the year out in Triple-A and serve as depth should any of Detroit’s starters get injured.

Ultimately, if Matt Boyd wins the spot outright then Carpenter will be sent to Triple-A, freeing up another bullpen spot. If Carpenter wins the spot, Boyd could find himself in the bullpen next season.