Detroit Tigers: Who takes over as sixth starter?

The Detroit Tigers need to replace Daniel Norris in the versatile ‘swing-man’ role. For now, Chad Bell will fill that spot. But is he the long-term solution?

Many Detroit Tigers fans are relieved to see Daniel Norris getting treated for his lingering groin injury. He has not looked like himself this year, and hopefully some time on the shelf can help him find that 95 mile per hour fastball he previously sported.

But for now, it leaves a hole in the Tigers bullpen. Specifically, a hole for a player who is capable of throwing multiple innings out of the bullpen, and even spot-starting when necessary.

The role is often called the swing-man or long reliever, and Norris has held that job all season. The Tigers recalled left-hander Chad Bell to replace Norris on the roster. Bell has made two starts at Triple-A Toledo, as well as two appearances out of the bullpen for the Tigers earlier in the season.

However, the Tigers have plenty of options outside of Bell who could fill this role. The options include calling up a prospect and giving them a chance to strut their stuff in the show, bringing up a veteran who has big league experience, or pick from a handful of AAAA guys who have made many trips between Triple-A Toledo and the Motor City.

We polled our twitter followers and asked who they would like to see in this role while Norris is out. Here were the results:

Working on a post for tomorrow. Now that Norris is out for a few months, who do you want to see fill the ‘swing-man’ role? (AKA the long reliever capable of spot-starting if needed) #Tigers
— Motor City Bengals (@MCB_Tigers) May 1, 2018

Here is a look at the internal options the Tigers have to replace Norris, starting with the guy getting the first crack at the job, Chad Bell.

The Detroit Tigers need to replace Daniel Norris in the versatile ‘swing-man’ role. For now, Chad Bell will fill that spot. But is he the long-term solution?

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