These 3 pitchers continue to build a case for a role with the Detroit Tigers

One of the main storylines that has been prevalent in Lakeland so far is the pitching of the Detroit Tigers among the pitchers who are fighting for some sort of role with the ballclub involving a few names that are familiar with fans who have been following the prospect scene. Let's look at three pitchers in camp who have made a case for a roster spot.

1. RHP Alex Faedo Spring Training Numbers

8IP 5H 2ER 0BB 12K WHIP 0.63

Right-hander Alex Faedo, the Tigers' first-round draft pick from 2017, has shown flashes of the starter that the University of Florida relied on for their first national championship. Injuries have hampered his progression as a pitcher, but signs are showing that he is ready to find a role with the Tigers.

During the broadcast against the Twins, with no injury rehab and being healthy heading into spring, Faedo said it has helped with an increase in his velocity (+1.6MPH) and ability to command the strike zone.

The fastball, sitting at 94-95 mph, complemented his slider, which has been generating a good amount of swings and misses. While he throws a changeup, he mentioned during the broadcast that catcher Carson Kelly was calling mainly for those two pitches.

The changeup also allows him to continue his path as a starter, as he can throw it to both sides of the plate. Through the third time through the order, teams batted just .185 against him in a small sample size since it doesn't often happen, indicating that the makeup of him being a potential swingman is possible.

2. LHP Joey Wentz Spring Training Numbers

9IP 7H 2R 2ER 4BB 10SO

Until he gave up the home run to Whit Merrifield in the Tigers' loss to the Phillies on Wednesday, Joey Wentz's stat line was solid. 7IP 1ER 4BB and 7K, but for Wentz, it could be the case that he may be putting up an audition for another team.

Wentz doesn't have any options left to head back to the minor leagues, and with Tyler Holton and Andrew Chafin holding down two spots in the rotation, where does he fit into the plans? As one of our readers pointed out in the Tigers Discord, he, similar to Wilmer Flores, has adopted the philosophy of pitching quicker. He ditched the over-the-head delivery towards the end of last season. He continues to tweak a few of his mechanics, but it could be the case of where this might serve a team elsewhere.

3. RHP Beau Brieske Spring Training Numbers

7.2 IP 2BB 4K

As Chris McCosky pointed out, Beau Brieske has allowed just two baserunners so far this spring. A development that has possibly helped is the development of his slider. After another strong performance against the Twins, the data indicates that the pitch continues to improve.

Brieske's M.O. as a minor league starter has been command of his fastball and a plus changeup with good fade toward the bottom of the strike zone. However, if his slider continues to improve, he could become a late-inning option should manager A.J. Hinch decide to use him that way. His fastball already sits at 96-97 mph, so combining that with a changeup that sits around the same mph as his slider, sequencing him correctly, gives Detroit another depth piece in the bullpen.

This will be one of the few storylines in camp that may come down to the last day of spring training, but it certainly shows how busy the Tigers pitching development staff has been.

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