The Detroit Tigers were pegged by many to be at least a .500 team, if not a team that could compete for a Wild Card, but are off to a start that would indicate neither of those are possible.
The Tigers stand at 8 -15, but even with that slow start, here are five reasons why you should not worry about this being another lost season. The Tigers will improve and be competitive as the season carries on.
The Detroit Tigers will improve with better health
Alex Faedo made his MLB debut as a starting pitcher this week, meaning the Tigers have used eight different starting pitchers already, which is the second most in the league, behind only Tampa Bay. The health of the starting rotation was always key to the Tigers success this season, and the early struggles suggest that is still true.
The good news is Casey Mize and Matt Manning are both throwing in Lakeland and getting close to a return.
Casey Mize (right elbow sprain) and Matt Manning (right shoulder inflammation) have thrown multiple bullpens in Lakeland. Over 30 pitches in both bullpens.
— Evan Petzold (@EvanPetzold) May 4, 2022
Manning could pitch in a rehab assignment this weekend. Mize will throw live batting practice around the same time.
Once those two return to the Tigers, the fortunes of the pitching staff and team will begin to turn. So far the bullpen has been a surprise strength this season, ranking first in MLB in ERA.
The success of the bullpen, plus the return to health of starting pitchers, combined with some promising work from Beau Brieske, among others, provides hope for the future of Tigers this season.