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Detroit Tigers: Predicting the Opening Day Roster for 2017

By Matt Snyder

Apr 8, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers manager Brad Ausmus (7) is introduced prior to the game against the New York Yankees at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers manager Brad Ausmus (7) is introduced prior to the game against the New York Yankees at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 30, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) acknowledges the crowed against the Atlanta Braves in the fifth inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) acknowledges the crowed against the Atlanta Braves in the fifth inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Returning Starting Pitchers

Barring unforeseen circumstances, the Tigers won’t head into spring training with Mike Pelfrey penciled into their starting rotation. There will likely be spring training articles written about Pelfrey and Anibal Sanchez being given opportunities to compete for rotation spots, but the club should feel fairly good about their end-of-season rotation.

Justin Verlander

Jordan Zimmermann

Michael Fulmer

Daniel Norris

Matt Boyd

Zimmermann will hopefully return to form after an offseason of rest and recovery. Boyd isn’t a slam dunk heading into 2017, but he and Norris should be the de fact fourth and fifth start candidates. This is a position group that could use more depth, but it’s not one that needs to be immediately addressed.

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