Detroit Tigers: Tyson Ross goes on IL- how will it affect the rotation?

The Detroit Tigers will be down yet another starting pitcher as the team announced on Sunday that Tyson Ross is headed to the IL.

Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reported yesterday that Detroit Tigers starter Tyson Ross has been placed on the injured list with ulnar neuritis in his right elbow. Losing Ross marks the fourth of the Tigers’ five original starting pitchers to start the season making a trip to the IL.

To add insult to injury (literally), things were not going well at all for Ross before being placed on the IL. The right-hander started Friday night’s series opener against the Twins in Minnesota and surrendered six earned runs on six hits in just five innings. That marked the third start in a row where Ross allowed four or more runs and failed to make it past five innings.

Ross’ 1-5 record and 6.11 ERA makes it appear as if the Detroit Tigers may not miss him very much at all, but losing Ross continues to stretch an already thin rotation. Ross would likely have been in place to start the series finale against the Houston Astros this Wednesday, but now manager Ron Gardenhire will have to make the decision on who to send to the mound in his place.

One answer could be Gregory Soto, but it would be a relatively quick turnaround for the rookie. Soto made his MLB debut for Detroit on Saturday night in the second game of the team’s doubleheader against the Twins and was absolutely shelled surrendering seven earned runs on nine hits in just four innings.

McCosky suggests another solution could be to call up lefty Matt Hall from Triple-A Toledo. Hall has started five games for the Mud Hens so far in 2019 and carries a 2-1 record with a 6.82 ERA. Those numbers may not look the best, but Hall does have a bit of big league experience under his belt appearing in five games for Detroit last season, which could likely make him the favorite candidate to be called up to replace Ross.

The loss of another starting pitcher also brings up the question of whether or not Detroit should pursue free agent James Shields, but for now, the best direction to look is probably to the minors. Losing another starter is a tough blow, but we all know what this Tigers season is. You never want to see a player injured, but it does present opportunities to test the waters with rising prospects.

What do you think the Tigers should do in Ross’ absence? Should they pursue a free agent or keep calling up developing minor leaguers? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section down below.