3 needs for the Detroit Tigers to address immediately after the lockout

2. Starting Pitching

AJ Hinch talked about getting the pitching right to have a shot at a successful rebuild. To a large extent, they have executed that plan. Casey Mize has emerged as a #2 starter with some upside remaining while Tarik Skubal has established himself as a mid-rotation arm too.

The Detroit Tigers did sign Eduardo Rodriguez before the MLB work stoppage, but his presence essentially replaces Boyd’s spot in the rotation. So, then, assuming Mize, Skubal, and Rodriguez are penciled into the rotation, they have a couple of slots yet to fill.

One of those spots may go to Matt Manning, who showed well toward the end of the season; but writing his name in pen on the roster card wouldn’t be prudent. Likewise, perhaps Joey Wentz or Alex Faedo could win a rotation job out of spring–but that is asking a lot of a player who is fresh off of Tommy John and another who has struggled since his return from the same surgery.

Their best route would be to look at external options to address those needs. Today’s game is showing more and more that seven or eight starters are necessary to sustain a season, and I’d assume the organization would not like to have to count on someone like Wily Peralta to fill that void (although he performed well).

I’d assume their next addition will be a tier under Rodriguez; someone like Danny Duffy or Michael Pineda are possibilities.