The Detroit Tigers have not yet made a decision about who will replace Doug Fister in the rotation. Fister was placed on the 15-day disabled list after suffering a left costochondral strain Saturday during his first start of the season.
Doug Fister Injury: No Decision Made On Detroit’s Replacement Starter
“I have no clue who’s going to start, absolutely none,” manager Jim Leyland said before Sunday’s game. “[Brayan] Villarreal has joined the team and we will have a starter at the appropriate time. Who it is, I have no clue. None.”
Villarreal has made one appearance this season for Triple-A Toledo, pitching two minutes out of the bullpen. He was used strictly in relief during 16 appearances for the Tigers last season but did start 10 of 17 games for Toledo, posting a 5.05 ERA (1.42 WHIP) in 66 innings.
Duane Below, who relieved Fister on Saturday, seems to be the most likely option to replace him in the rotation. Below narrowly lost a spring-training battle with Drew Smyly for the final spot in the rotation. Below pitched 29 innings for the Tigers last year, including two starts, posting a 4.34 ERA (1.35 WHIP). In 18 starts for Toledo last year, Below posted a 3.13 ERA (1.18 WHIP).
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