With the Tigers' decision not to skip any spots in the rotation, they're going to need a fifth starter come midweek. Barring a sudden trade, here are three players on the right schedule to join the Tigers.
Charlie Furbush, who the Tigers optioned to the Mud Hens to continue getting some work during the all-star break, pitched last night. He allowed two runs on five hits and a walk in 6 2/3 innings of work. He struck out six. Furbush would seem the most likely pitcher to return as the fifth starter.
However, and there have been rumors of this floated in the BYB comments, another option for Detroit is Duane Below (milb stats). He starts tonight for the Hens. Below, a lefty from Britton, Mich., has a 3.06 ERA in 109 innings in Triple A. He has 78 strikeouts and 34 walks. Matt Sussman recently argued in his favor at MLive.
The least likely of the trio is Jacob Turner (milb stats), who will start for Double-A Erie tonight. He last pitched July 5 and could have been scheduled anywhere after the SeaWolves came back from their all-star break. In fact, Jason Beck reported he was originally set for July 18. The Tigers' top prospect has a 3.49 ERA in 100 2/3 innings. He has 79 strikeouts and 29 walks.