Detroit Tigers leave it to Daniel Schlereth to stomp left-handed hitters
The Detroit Tigers will most likely employ Phil Coke’s services in the rotation next year and that leaves the bullpen wide open for Daniel Schlereth to take control.
He becomes the leading member of the faction to deal with left-handed hitters on the plate when an opportunity comes along to prove his worth. The player had been extremely potent last season as he delivered good victories for the side in the latter half
of the season.
Schlereth is a rising star by most counts and in spring he will have another opportunity to prove his worth again.
"I think I did a few things to help myself, but that was last year", he said. "I mean, it seems like yesterday, but that year's done with and I just have to build off of this year and keep throwing well and see how it goes".
However, Coke’s absence will be missed in the bullpen, given his effectiveness on the mound. His leading ability to eat up a lot of innings against teams has not seen many similarities from other clubs.
Two other players made more appearances on the mound as a relief pitcher, than Coke. Oakland Athletics’ Craig Breslow and Tampa Bay Rays’ Randy Choate are esteemed squad players to appear more times than Phil Coke.
However, Schlereth has the ability to do great things on the mound and his aptitude to handle both right-handers and left-handers is a special quality for the Tigers. He could very well be the man to bring the game to closer, Jose Valverde in the 9th
inning.
Schlereth’s figures from last year were somewhat impressive. His earning runs average was 2.89, while he provided the Tigers with 19 strikeouts. He saved 1 game for the club in 18 games.
"Towards the end, I was more like myself", Schlereth said. "Coming up in July or whenever, I was all right, but I knew I could do a lot better. I think I showed that a little bit (from August on). I mean, I didn't really pitch that much, but the small amount
I did (made a difference)".
Schlereth has a lot of potential and the Tigers will be hoping he turns for the best as the new season kicks off in April. Schlereth will be hoping for a better and stronger role next year.
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