In case no one has noticed, the Tigers pitching staff as a whole has been tremendous to this point in the season. Aside from Gallaragas last 2 starts, even the suspected weak link in the bullpen has been excellent(although a lot of that may have something to do with limited Lyon sightings). So far the whole staff has easily outperformed expectations.
Verlander and Jackson make an unhittable front 2 starters, consistently going deep into games and really working the batters. Trying to get a win on either of those 2 days is hard enough without having to watch a rookie throw a swirling missile and depth charge sinker at you as well. Although i really like the way he has pitched, his innings are going to be a factor as we head into late June and July, and ideally they would like to send him back down for a bit to get some work in for the stretch run. All of that of course is directly tied to the continued success of Willis and a healthy Jeremy Bonderman. If those things all happen this team not only has the pitching in place, but also a surplus of arms in case of that freak injury to one of the cogs in the offense.
Again, consistency and health will be the biggest things to watch. If everything falls into place, this team should be contending in October.
Keywords: Detroit Tigers, pitching
