Detroit Tigers to Activate Doug Fister Tonight

The Tigers may get a boost very soon.  According to Matthew Mowery of the Oakland Press, the Tigers will bring Doug Fister off the disabled list tonight.  Fister has been on the DL since May 30th.  The move was retroactive to May 29th.

Fister missed the last two weeks with a left side strain.  He was 0-3 with a 3.15 ERA at the time he was placed on the DL.  The 28-year old righty took some tough-luck losses early in the season but has pitched well for the most part.  Last year was a breakout year for Fister, but it was unlikely he would continue the torrid pace he had set – and he hasn’t so far this year.  In 70 1/3 innings pitched last season, Fister was 8-1 with a 1.79 ERA.  His ERA has increased this season and so have his walks.  But overall, Fister has been productive.

In six starts this season, Fister has pitched 34 1/3 innings.  He’s already accumulated 1.0 WAR.  Last season he was worth 2.4 WAR.  Fister has a career 3.47 ERA, but since being traded by the Mariners, he has a 2.81 ERA.

This was Fister’s second stint on the disabled list this season.  After making his first start of the season, he hit the DL.  He came back and started five games before the side strain shelved him again.  The Tigers expect Fister to start during their series with the Colorado Rockies that starts tonight.

Detroit is hoping the boost from Fister can off-set the loss of Drew Smyly.  His blister has cause him to be placed on the disabled list.  The Tigers are fighting to return to .500.  They were the popular pick to win the World Series this year after signing Prince Fielder.  However, Detroit has struggled  on the mound.  They have a -11 run differential due in large part to their 24th ranked team ERA of 4.24.

The Tigers come into play tonight four games back of the Chicago White Sox.  They will face the Rockies for three games in Detroit before taking on the St. Louis Cardinals next.

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