Tigers Rumors: Detroit Not Expected to Pursue Starter

With the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline approaching, rumors figure to begin swirling.  Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com offered followers a non-rumor of sorts yesterday that may come as a surprise to Detroit Tigers fans.  Knobler reported that, despite the struggles of the back-end of their rotation, the Tigers are not expecting to pursue starting pitching this summer.

Entering the season, the Tigers rotation figured to be a strength for the club.  While the Tigers do rank in the top half of the league in starter’s ERA, the back-end of their rotation, specifically Max Scherzer and Rick Porcello, has struggled thus far.  Scherzer and Porcello are each sporting ERAs and WHIPs north of 5.20 and 1.520.

Despite the duo’s ineffectiveness, the Tigers have told Knobler that they don’t expect to pursue pitching help this summer.  Detroit is content with their rotation, as they must feel confident Scherzer and/or Porcello will be able to turn things around.  Each has career numbers that are far better than their current marks, so the club’s thinking isn’t too radical.

If for whatever reason Scherzer and/or Porcello aren’t able to turn things around this year, the Tigers have a pair of talented arms pitching for their Triple-A affiliate.

Jacob Turner has been one of the game’s top pitching prospects seemingly forever, and the 21-year-old is facing Triple-A batters for his second season.  While perhaps not as well known, left-hander Casey Crosby offers the Tigers another young arm that could potentially be called upon this season.

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