Jordan Zimmermann

Detroit Tigers: Why It's Right Move to Start Jordan Zimmermann in Atlanta

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Detroit Tigers pitcher Jordan Zimmermann will start one of the team’s contests in Atalanta. Per a report, the veteran will be Detroit’s starter on Friday. This is the right move.

Detroit Tigers starting pitchers have surprised this season. Whether it be Michael Fulmer positioning himself as the front runner for American League Rookie of the Year, or Matt Boyd and Daniel Norris thriving in the midst of a pennant chase, there have been plenty of surprises.

However, not all of the surprises have necessarily been positives. Mike Pelfrey has the highest WHIP among all starters with at least 100 innings pitched. Anibal Sanchez has struggled mightily at times.

Rounding out the list is new signing Jordan Zimmermann, who hasn’t pitched effectively as of late.

Hampered by injuries during parts of the second half, the former National has pitched in just three games since the end of June.

The first do didn’t go so well. Zimmermann was tagged for 12 runs, 10 hits, five home runs and five walks in just 2.2 innings pitched against the White Sox and Orioles.

Over those two starts, the veteran didn’t strikeout out any batters.

Improvement

Things turned around in outing number three. Zimmermann came on in relief against the Royals and pitched three innings, allowing a run on four hits while striking out four.

He’ll look to build on that outing Friday in Atlanta, where he’s been named the starter for the team’s series opener versus their National League East counterparts.

The Free Press’ Anthony Fenech reported the news on Wednesday afternoon, tweeting, “Jordan Zimmermann will start on Friday against the Braves, Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said.”

Having Zimmermann pitch in Atlanta is the right decision for a number of reasons.

Experience in Atlanta

A veteran of seasons with the Washington Nationals, Zimmermann is no stranger to Atlanta or the franchise based there.

In 16 starts against his former National League East rivals, the 30-year-old is 7-3 with a 2.55 ERA. He also struck out 82 in 99 innings pitched.

May 22, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann (27) pitches during the first inning of the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Leon Halip-USA TODAY Sports

In five career starts at Turner, the ex-National is 3-1 with a miniscule 2.06 ERA. Just last season, he went 3-1 with an even smaller 1.99 ERA in 40.2 innings pitched versus Atlanta.

Batting

While pitchers generally tend not to have a significant impact when hitting, having Zimmermann bat could prove to be beneficial. Throughout his career, the pitcher has collected 55 hits, 18 runs scored, 15 RBI, 10 walks, six doubles and a home run.

Granted he’s a .170 career hitter, but the potential is there for him to give himself some run support. His ability to lay down a sacrifice bunt (43 career sacrifice hits) could also come in handy.

Momentum

If Zimmermann can start to gain momentum heading into the postseason, the Detroit Tigers could benefit greatly.

With Michael Fulmer’s innings potentially an issue and Daniel Norris and Matt Boyd unproven on the postseason stage, the veteran could be key. In his last playoff start back in 2014, the two-time All Star allowed a run on three hits in 8.2 innings pitched against the Giants.

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Norris and Boyd could very well continue to pitch well, but having Zimmermann pitching at a high level would be significant for the Tigers moving forward.