Alex Faedo
If the Tigers don't go with a six-man rotation, they are going to need a multi-inning reliever out of the bullpen, and Faedo is a great candidate for that.
His ERA through the first three innings of a game— typically one time through the batting order — was 3.53 in 2023. Innings 4-6? 6.75. This is most likely because he only has two consistent pitches — his fastball and his slider. He does throw a changeup, but it's just not very effective.
His career numbers back this up as well. He has a career 3.58 ERA in the first three innings of a game, but a 7.74 ERA in inningd 4-6. Hitters have a .907 OPS off Faedo during those innings. He just becomes very easy for hitters to figure out after the first time through the order.
The solution here is to make him a long man. There's clearly something there — he was a first-round pick for a reason, and the slider is lethal at times. Turning him into an innings-eater out of the 'pen seems like the best path forward for Faedo.
With that being said, he still has an option remaining. So if he struggles, they could easily send him back down to Triple-A, whereas someone like Miguel Diaz would have to be designated for assignment because he is out of options.
Beau Brieske is also a guy who could be a long reliever, but he showed promise in a middle relief role in 2023. I think Faedo will make the initial roster, but will go back down to Toledo at some point during the season.