The Detroit Tigers carried the best record in Major League Baseball into the MLB All-Star Break and were fairly rewarded with six players on the roster, most in the league.
The Tigers’ first half success was dampered by inconsistent play from key players and supporting players, along with a rash of injuries including a season ender to starting pitcher Jackson Jobe.
On Wednesday, Tigers started Jack Flaherty was given an important distinction by writer Jason Beck of MLB.com heading into MLB’s second half, highlighting the importance of a strong second half from the 2024 Los Angeles Dodgers World Series Champion.
Flaherty was named the Tigers’ key second half player by Beck, who shared his thoughts on what Detroit needs from their right-handed starter.
“A year ago, Flaherty was a trade piece to get Trey Sweeney and prospect Thayron Lizano into the system when the Tigers were sellers,” Beck wrote.
“This time, Flaherty isn’t going anywhere, not with a chance at a second straight World Series ring. But Detroit needs to get him out of an inconsistent stretch and back into frontline form to best set up its four-man postseason rotation,” he added.
Flaherty ranks second on the Tiges in strikeouts with 124 on the season, 29 behind Tarik Skubal for the team lead.
Flaherty will likely need to cut down on his tendency to give up home runs as his 19 were the most given up in the first half of the season among Tigers pitchers.
