Report: Tigers Looking To Trade For Starting Pitcher
DETROIT (CBS Detroit) -- Winning fixes a lot of things in baseball.
Just a few weeks ago the Detroit Tigers were treading water without a clear view of what their chances in the American League were. Now, after winning five games in a row, the team is sitting a game and a half out of a Wild Card spot and has reportedly jumped into the trade market.
According to Jon Morosi of the MLB Network, the Tigers are asking teams about starting pitchers as the August 1 trade deadline approaches.
#Tigers increasingly involved in starting pitching market, sources say; they are looking mostly at No. 3 and 4 type starters. @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 31, 2016
The Tigers have had trouble finding consistency in 2016 from their starting rotation outside of veteran Justin Verlander and rookie sensation Michael Fulmer.
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 (4.45 ERA) but it has been better than 2015, when it posted a 4.78 ERA.
With the Tigers' depleted farm system, Al Avila may have a hard time packaging together enough to get a quality starting pitcher in return.
The Tigers have been rumored to be in the running to acquire one of a few different starters from the Tampa Bay Rays.