Detroit Tigers: Who takes over as sixth starter?

Other Options

The Tigers have plenty of guys sitting at Triple-A Toledo. While Bell, Carpenter and Lewicki all seem likely to get chances at the big league level, any of these guys could take the swing-man role and run with it as well.

Victor Alcantara

Alcantara has some big league experience, having tossed 7.1 not-so-great innings for the Tigers last year. He’s not on the 40-man roster and has no starting experience, so I wouldn’t expect him to take over this role in particular.

Louis Coleman

Coleman is a veteran with a ton of experience, having tossed 225.1 big league innings. Like Alcantara, he has no starting experience and isn’t on the 40-man roster. Don’t be too surprised to see Coleman at some point this season, but not as a swing-man.

Blaine Hardy

Hardy has never started a game in the big leagues, but he has been starting down at Triple-A. He has a 0.74 ERA in Toledo this year, so his name may be next on the docket if Bell doesn’t succeed and gets sent back down. Hardy had an ugly 5.94 ERA with the Tigers last year however, so his leash will be pretty short.

Mark Montgomery

Montgomery has a 11.5 K/9 across 357.1 minor league innings, so he’s definitely earned an extended look. He also has a 1.93 ERA at Toledo this year, so no doubt he’s on the Tigers mind. However, his lack of experience as a starter will keep him out of a long reliever role.

Zac Reininger

Reininger is in the same position as Alcantara: a tiny bit of big league experience, no experience as a starter, and not on the 40-man. He is unlikely to see the 25-man roster this year, barring a handful of injuries.

Drew VerHagen

Hello old friend. Obviously VerHagen would need to added back to the 40-man roster, but he does have starting and bullpen experience. It’s possible the Tigers bring him back up in a less pressure role and see if he can excel.

Next: Blaine Hardy Deserves Another Chance

The Tigers have plenty of options to fill their swing-man role. For now, Bell will get a shot at it. Don’t be surprised to see a variety of different relievers get their shot in the Motor City this season.