Detroit Tigers first quarter report cards

Detroit Tigers B Grades

Andrew Chafin – Andrew Chafin is a bit unorthodox, and an early stint on the Injured List has limited him to just nine innings, but so far he has been exactly what the Detroit Tigers hoped: a setup man who handles right-handed batters and shuts down lefties.

Alex Faedo – It has only been four starts, and his 4.48 FIP suggests he’s been a bit lucky, but these grades are based on actual performance, and Alex Faedo has been better than just about anyone expected. He’s throwing strikes, missing bats, and perhaps most importantly, eating innings.

Joe Jiménez – Relievers will forever be unpredictable. Joe Jiménez was Detroit’s All-Star in 2018, but over the next three seasons he was arguably the worst reliever in baseball. But so far this year he’s throwing harder than ever and he has cut down on his walks and home runs. What a pleasant surprise.

Alex Lange – Lange has had a few hiccups this season, but for the most part he has continued his breakout performance from the second half of last year. His 18.1% swinging strike rate is the 6th highest in baseball this year.

Austin Meadows – Meadows is currently out with vertigo, which is very unfortunate, and he hasn’t hit a home run in 28 games, which is less than ideal. But he still managed to be Detroit’s most effective offensive player (116 wRC+) thanks to double-digit walk rate and the lowest strikeout rate of his career.

Will Vest – Another example of relievers being strange and unpredictable. Will Vest pitched his way off the Mariners last year, but he has quickly become one of A.J. Hinch’s go-to arms late in games, and he has become one of the best strike throwers in baseball.