Kenny Rogers' Arm Isn't Ready to Start the Season

by Ian Casselberry on Mar 29, 2007 11:53 AM EDT in Detroit Tigers News

1270-AM (WXYT) in Detroit is reporting that Kenny Rogers will begin the season on the 15-day disabled list due to "arm fatigue."

Here's a bit more from the Detroit Free Press' John Lowe. Chad Durbin will take the open spot in the rotation, and Bobby Seay has been called up to replace Rogers on the 25-man roster.

This past weekend, I was at a University of Michigan baseball game with two fellow local bloggers and, of course, the discussion eventually turned toward the Tigers. I expressed my puzzlement that so many writers were picking the Indians to win the AL Central over the Tigers. Had they looked at both teams' pitching staffs?

Seriously, I asked both Brian and Samela, what will stop Detroit from winning this division? What am I not seeing here?

"Injuries," Brian said.

"Injuries," said Sam.

To quote Kevin Malone from The Office, "Oohhhhhh, shoot."

UPDATE: This has been confirmed by anyone and everyone who writes anything associated (affiliated or otherwise) with the Detroit Tigers.

The Daily Fungo noticed that this rather large news was somewhat buried in the Tigers' official game notes for today.

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AUGH!

I hate it when I'm right! EEEEEEEEK

by Boston Fan in Michigan on Mar 29, 2007 1:16 PM EDT reply actions

No. Good.

Durbin in the rotation?

The DTW was saying Seay was recalled. No Miner? A guy who has had starting experience with the Tigers last season?

Hopefully this is nothing too serious. If so, hopefully we can get a good run of starts from Mr. Durbin.

by FLATigersFan on Mar 29, 2007 2:18 PM EDT reply actions

That's Kinda Cold

Mark, I'm with you. Given the work Miner did last year, I'm surprised he's not taking the open spot in the rotation.

But maybe that's a tip (or hope) that Rogers will only miss one or two starts (depending on how the rotation works around the schedule).

Plus, maybe this indicates just how close Seay was to making the 25-man roster before he was sent down. If the Tigers wanted to have another lefty in the bullpen, now they have the room.

by Ian Casselberry on Mar 29, 2007 3:30 PM EDT reply actions

Opportunity

I think the move to place Durbin in the rotation is intended to try to sell him to other teams as well. Seay pitched well enough this spring to take the final bullpen spot, but Durbin was out of options. Miner had one left so he gets to work in Toledo. So far no one has stepped up for Durbin on the trade front. If he is able to put together a couple of nice starts while Rogers gets his arm back for the season perhaps we will see a move. If Durbin falls on his face in the starts, the Tigers won't feel too badly about demoting him with the risk of losing him.

I guess the bright side is that I thought all 42 yr old and above starters were supposed to wait until May to begin the season. Rogers can pace himself better this way...Ummm...I'm out of old guy, mildly veiled Clemens cracks, sorry.

by chrvoel on Mar 29, 2007 4:01 PM EDT reply actions

Good point...

Never thought about the options and how Durbin has none of them. I guess it's better for the Tigers to be auditioning him in a starting role early in the season as opposed to during a late playoff run.

by FLATigersFan on Mar 29, 2007 8:38 PM EDT up reply actions