Detroit Tigers

Detroit Tigers May Need to Add Another Starting Pitcher for Stretch Run

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Aug 4, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers manager Brad Ausmus (7) takes the ball to relieve starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann (27) in the second inning against the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Tigers manager Brad Ausmus has used a number of starters this season who have struggled mightily. With the stretch run coming up, it may be prudent to add another option to the mix.

Detroit Tigers fans haven’t exactly seen the best from Jordan Zimmermann as of late. The former Nationals ace has allowed 12 runs, 10 hits, five home runs and five walks in his last two starts. Those two stars have spanned all of 2.2 innings.

The two outings have been Zimmermann’s only starts since June.

What’s more, Mike Pelfrey and Anibal Sanchez have also struggled at times this season.

Pelfrey owns the highest WHIP of all starters with at least 100 innings pitched, while Sanchez is prone to a poor outings every so often.

The veteran has been solid (3.97 ERA in 47.2 innings pitched) since the beginning of August, but he allowed eight runs on eight hits against Texas during that stretch. In July, Sanchez posted an ugly 8.41 ERA while allowing opponents to hit .349 off him.

With the Detroit Tigers in the midst of a pennant chase, the team can ill afford to use struggling starters. If the team wants to make a run at the postseason, they may need to look for other options in the rotation.

Apr 9, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Buck Farmer (45) pitches against the New York Yankees at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Internal Options

Dustin Molleken and Buck Farmer are two options, but both shouldn’t be used for anything more than a spot start. The duo may also be better suited for relief roles.

Molleken is already on the 40-man roster and made five starts for Toledo. However, it remains to be seen whether he’ll be recalled in September.

Another pitcher with starting experience in Toledo is Farmer. While Farmer has already been called up, he struggled against Baltimore. The O’s tagged the former top prospect for five hits, four runs, two walks and a home run in just three innings.

Donn Roach posted solid numbers with Toledo and would have been an option, but he was lost on waivers earlier in the month.

Two potential names to watch are Chad Bell and Myles Jaye. Both have thrown well in the upper minors this season and may contribute to the Tigers in the future. Neither are on the 40-man roster at the moment. Like Molleken, it remains to be seen whether Detroit will call up either player.

In other words, it may be time to look outside the organization for some help.

Should Detroit acquire a starter, they would be unable to compete on the postseason roster. However, if the playoffs started today, Ausmus’ playoff rotation would likely consist of Justin Verlander, Michael Fulmer, Matt Boyd and Daniel Norris, so the team wouldn’t need the new starter once they reach October.

Additionally, the acquired starter would be a solid trade chip or depth piece heading into the offseason and next season.

Jul 4, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Texas Rangers relief pitcher Michael Roth (53) looks back to the plate as Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia (15) rounds the bases after his home run during the seventh inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Potential Targets

Veterans like Octavio Dotel and Willie Bloomquist have switched teams before in September, so trades in the month aren’t out of the question.

However, if Detroit decides to search the waiver wire, they could find a number of potential options. Nick Tepesch, who was designated for assignment recently by Kansas City, could be worth a look.

Tepesch pitched to a 3.96 ERA at the Triple-A level this season. What’s more, he has the experience thanks to 39 starts for Texas from 2013 to 2014.

Another player who’s been recently designated for assignment is Odrisamer Despaigne.

The former San Diego pitcher made 34 starts for the Padres over the last two seasons heading into 2016. With Baltimore’s Triple-A affiliate this season, the 29-year-old owns a 3.87 ERA and 7.1 strikeouts per nine innings.

Perhaps the most intriguing candidate on the list of players recently designated for assignment is Michael Roth.

While Roth has only thrown 36 innings at the Major League level, the 26-year-old excelled at the Triple-A level this season. Roth went 11-5 with a 2.97 ERA, a 1.225 WHIP and just 42 walks in 145.1 innings pitched.

Who would be designated for assignment from the 40-man roster?

The Tigers would only need to make room on the team’s 40-man for a new acquisition.

While Detroit’s 40-man roster is currently full, Anthony Gose (.276 on-base percentage in the minors) or Warwick Saupold (7.46 ERA in six appearances with the Tigers) could be designated for assignment.

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