Detroit Tigers links: Tigers need improvement from their starting pitchers

Among American League teams, the Detroit Tigers' starting rotation ranks 14th in ERA at 4.23, 12th in strikeout rate at 6.87 per nine innings, sixth (tie) in walk rate at 2.81 per nine innings, last in home runs per nine innings at 1.10, 13th in FIP at 4.17 and 13th (tie) in SIERA at 4.04. At the time of writing this, Kyle Ryan is getting lit up for five runs in less than three innings of work, including a grand slam to former Tiger Austin Jackson (Ed.: Ryan was demoted to the minors after last night's game). As James Schmehl of MLive points out, the offense has been fine, even in the absence of Miguel Cabrera. The Tigers have averaged 5.1 runs over the last 10 games as J.D. Martinez continues to mash home runs and Yoenis Cespedes continues to be a consistent hitter (don't forget to vote for him as the final roster spot in the All-Star Game!). Even Nick Castellanos has started to heat up.

Shane Greene has been demoted to Triple-A, Kyle Ryan now has an ERA of 5.64 on the year, Justin Verlander has an ERA of 6.75 in four starts since returning from the disabled list, and Alfredo Simon has an ERA of 6.35 in his last seven starts. Anibal Sanchez has turned it around lately with an ERA of 2.61 in his last 5 starts while All-Star David Price has been the Tigers most consistent pitcher with a season ERA of 2.54. So, naturally, the Tigers can use an upgrade. As the trade deadline nears, Lynn Henning identifies a few starting pitchers that the Tigers could target including Johnny Cueto, Mike Leake, Mat Latos, Dan Haren, Jeff Samardzija and Scott Kazmir.

Twins make mistake in sending Trevor May to the bullpen - Twinkie Town, Jesse Lund
As the Tigers try to sort out their starting rotation, the Twins have just demoted probably their most effective starter to the bullpen.

Is this a golden era for starting pitching? - ESPN, David Schoenfield
You couldn't tell by looking at the current Tigers' starting rotation.

Detroit Tigers manager Brad Ausmus not willing to define roles for relievers just yet - MLive.com, James Schmehl
"If you've got a couple-run lead, you might leave him out for a third out -- even if it's a right-lefty matchup or a lefty-righty matchup."

JD Martinez, Home Run Hitting Weirdo - New English D, Neil Weinberg
Just Dingers has hit nine home runs the opposite field, most by a right-handed hitter in baseball.

GIFs, Twitter suspensions, and social media: an open letter to MLB Advanced Media - Lookout Landing, Mattias Ellis
In this day and age of Twitter, Facebook and embed-able links, this shouldn't happen.

Cleveland Indians starting catcher: making the case for Roberto Perez over Yan Gomes - Let's Go Tribe, Matt R. Lyons
Good analysis of rookie Indians catcher Roberto Perez, who has a low batting average but a good on-base percentage. Reminds me of Alex Avila.

AL players voted for no Royals to start All-Star game - LA Times, Bill Shaikin
As the fans were voting for all Royals to start, the players themselves were not.

What Do You Think of Your Team’s Front Office? - FanGraphs Baseball, Jeff Sullivan
The Dave Dombrowski approval poll on FanGraphs.