Detroit Tigers: Who takes over as sixth starter?

By Andy Patton | May 3, 2018

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 05: Daniel Norris #44 of the Detroit Tigers pitches against the Chicago White Sox during the Opening Day home game at Guaranteed Rate Field on April 5, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Tigers defeated the White Sox 9-7 in 10 innings. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

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ARLINGTON, TX – AUGUST 16: Chad Bell #64 of the Detroit Tigers pitches against the Texas Rangers in the bottom of the fourth inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on August 16, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Chad Bell

On paper, Bell looks like the obvious replacement for Norris. He’s left-handed, he has experience as a starter and as a reliever, and he has big league experience. Indeed that’s what the Tigers were likely thinking when they summoned him from Toledo to replace Norris.

However, Bell is certainly not without his flaws. For starters, he had a hideous 6.93 ERA last season. And while he has some intrigue as a potential LOOGY, his fastball and curveball have posted terrible big league marks. Having him in a multi-inning role would expose his two weakest pitches.

Additionally, while Bell does have starting pitching experience, his 9.39 ERA as a big league starter isn’t the most comforting thing in the world.

The Tigers will give him the opportunity for now, but surely they can find someone in their minor league system who would be more capable in a swing-man role than Bell. Here are some other options:

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