Originally published 5/31/17
The Detroit Tigers (24-28) are not off to a good start so far during the 2017 campaign. They are currently in fourth place in the AL Central, four games behind the Minnesota Twins.
With how bad the Tigers have been, some players still deserve some consideration for the all-star game. Here are five players we deserve at least some consideration.
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5. ALEX AVILA (C)
After resigning Alex Avila during the offseason, we didn’t expect much from Alex Avila. He has been somewhat of a surprise this season.
Currently, he is the best hitter the Tigers have. He is hitting .319 with six home runs and 20 RBIs in 94 at-bats. Avila has an OPS of 1.029 which is good enough for second on the team behind J.D. Martinez.
He has cooled off the last month, hitting only .263 the last 30 days, but he deserves to have some consideration.
4. JUSTIN WILSON (P)
Justin Wilson has been a pleasant surprise out of the bullpen for the Tigers. He has taken over the closer role from Francisco Rodriguez and has done a solid job so far.
Wilson has four saves in five opportunities with a 3.00 ERA. In 21.0 innings pitched, he has 33 strikeouts, a WHIP of .086, and hitters are only hitting at a .186 clip against him.
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He has been a reliable option out of the pen when called upon this season. While Wilson may not be the closer for the Tigers in the future, he is holding his own until someone else can prove they deserve it.
3. SHANE GREENE (P)
Shane Greene has been phenomenal this season. After finishing the 2016 campaign with a 5.82 ERA, he has come back with a 1.85 ERA in 24.1 innings pitched so far this season.
Greene, along with the Wilsons, has been one of the best options out of the pen during the 2017 campaign. He has a WHIP of 1.19, batters are hitting only .202 against him, and he has 27 strikeouts in his 24.1 IP.
It’s safe to say the Tigers may have finally found a stop for Greene who struggled his first two seasons with the team. If he stays consistent, he could even earn consideration for Comeback Player of the Year.
2. ALEX WILSON (P)
Just like last season, Alex Wilson has been a workhorse for the Tigers out of the pen this season.
After finishing the 2016 campaign with a 2.96 ERA in 73.0 IP, he has come back this season with more improvement. So far, he has posted a 1.57 ERA in 23 IP.
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Alex Wilson has a WHIP of 0.87 and batters are hitting only .169 off of him. He has been the most consistent pitcher out of the pen the last two seasons for Detroit. He fits into any situation when called upon. If Justin Wilson needs a night off, Alex Wilson can be called on to get a save.
1. MICHAEL FULMER (P)
Where do we start with Michael Fulmer? How about the fact that he has been the Tigers best starting pitcher this season.
After winning AL Rookie of the Year last season, he has turned in a great performance so far in 2017. Fulmer is 5-3 with a 2.52 ERA, 54 strikeouts, and a WHIP of 1.10 in 68 innings of work.
Fulmer is in full control every time he takes the mound. Detroit has a great chance of winning once the baseball is in his hand. Fulmer has gone at least six innings in each of his starts and has pitched eight innings in two of those in the month of May, one of which was a complete game.
J.D. should also be considered for what he came off and what he’s done since his return .
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