Report: Tigers Looking To Trade For Rays' Starter?
By Dan Jenkins
@DanTJenkins
Now that the All-Star break is over, everyone is wondering if the Detroit Tigers will be buyers or sellers at this summer's trade deadline.
Sitting six and a half games behind the Cleveland Indians in the AL Central and three games behind the final Wild Card spot, the Tigers may choose to add a few pieces and chase a playoff berth, depending on how the rest of July goes.
According to SBNation MLB reporter Chris Cotillo, the Tigers are one of several teams to inquire about the many starting pitching assets that the Tampa Bay Rays possess.
Rays hold a lot of power on this trade market. Teams inquiring on their SPs, per sources: CHC, TEX, LAD, PIT, NYY, HOU, TOR, BAL, DET.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) July 15, 2016
While the Rays are unlikely to move ace Chris Archer, other starters such as Matt Moore, Jake Odorizzi or Drew Smyly could be traded away at the deadline. The Tigers sent Smyly to the Rays in 2014 in the deal that brought David Price to Detroit.
The Tigers could use the help in their starting rotation. While veteran Justin Verlander is having a resurgent season and rookie Michael Fulmer has impressed, the rest of the rotation is in shambles.
Though he started the season as one of the American League's best pitchers, newcomer Jordan Zimmermann came back down to earth in May and June before hitting the disabled list on July 5. Anibal Sanchez, Mike Pelfrey and the revolving fifth spot have all been less than reliable.
The Tigers' rotation has struggled (4.56 ERA) but it has been better than 2015, when it posted a 4.78 ERA.