UPDATE:
Daniel Norris has nondisplaced fractures in spinous process, Brad Ausmus said. "It sounds worse than it is," head trainer Kevin Rand said.
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) March 24, 2016
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Free-agent starter Kyle Lohse could be a beneficiary of a recent injury. As the Detroit Tigers look to enter 2016 with ample pitching depth, youngster Daniel Norris, who was arguably the favorite to win the final spot in the rotation, went down with a lower back injury two days ago.
As a result, the Tigers are now looking outside the organization to "emphasize depth." Lohse is reportedly one of their targets.
Tigers r very relieved anibal sanchez looked so good Monday. But they are emphasizing depth and have been eying kyle lohse
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 24, 2016
Norris impressed in his first eight starts with the Tigers last year after coming over in the David Price trade with the Toronto Blue Jays. He went 2-1 with a 3.68 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 27 strikeouts in those 36-2/3 innings. However, he has experienced a back issue twice in the past week and it's unknown if he'll be ready for Opening Day.
Additionally, Anibal Sanchez, who impressed in his first outing of the spring (4 IP, 0 H, 3 K), also may not be up to speed by Opening Day after dealing with right triceps inflammation since February. Manager Brad Ausmus said the veteran could start the second game of the season if his progression continues to go well, but that's a tricky situation because it's doubtful the Tigers would want to rush him back. The veteran has pitched in just 47 games over the past two seasons and posted a 4.29 ERA over that span, including a 4.99 ERA last year.
Toss in the general uncertainty surrounding Shane Greene and Buck Farmer as well as the lack of experience from youngster Matt Boyd (7.53 ERA in 13 career MLB games, although he's having a great spring) and it's no wonder the Tigers are reportedly taking a look at Lohse, who was said to have held a showcase in Phoenix yesterday.
The right-hander had the worst season of his 15-year MLB career in 2015 with the Milwaukee Brewers after going 5-13 with a 5.85 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 108 strikeouts in 37 games (22 starts). With that being said, the 37-year-old had an exceptional run from 2011-2014, going 54-30 with a 3.27 ERA in 126 starts.
Detroit could also run into more issues with their bullpen, which currently has two spots open (and potentially three with a recent injury to Alex Wilson).
The Tigers' biggest problem in recent years has been their pitching staff and they are taking all measures to avoid that heading into 2016. Stay tuned for updates on their possible pursuit of Lohse.
