MLB Detroit Tigers

5 Detroit Tigers Who Need To Stay Healthy In 2015

5 Detroit Tigers Who Need To Stay Healthy In 2015

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Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

After suffering a disappointing postseason sweep in the 2014 ALDS, the Detroit Tigers are going to have a slightly different look in 2015. The core of the team remains largely intact, but certain key players such as Rick Porcello and Torii Hunter will be playing in new cities. Max Scherzer is widely expected to be pitching elsewhere as well. The Tigers can still compete in 2015, but they will need the following five players to stay healthy.

5. Alex Avila

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5. Alex Avila

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Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Alex Avila has had his share of health issues, as he has suffered multiple concussions in recent seasons. The Tigers do have a young catcher in James McCann, who many believe is on schedule to share time with Avila in 2015, and last year's backup Bryan Holaday may remain in the mix as well. That said, the value of Avila's defense should not be underestimated. The Tigers will need him to stay healthy for the duration of the 2015 season.

4. Jose Iglesias

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4. Jose Iglesias

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Jose Iglesias missed the entire 2014 season, and the Tigers were never truly able to replace the stability he provided at shortstop. Now that the team has dealt Eugenio Suarez to the Cincinnati Reds, it appears likely that Hernan Perez and Andrew Romine would be platooning at shortstop in the event that Iglesias is injured again. The Tigers need Iglesias to stay healthy and form a rock-solid double-play combo with Ian Kinsler.

3. Joakim Soria

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3. Joakim Soria

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After the Tigers acquired Joakim Soria from the Texas Rangers in July, it was hoped that he would help bolster their much-maligned bullpen. However, things did not turn out exactly as planned. Soria spent time on the DL with an oblique injury and posted a 4.91 ERA with a 5.22 FIP during his time in Detroit. He also had a 45.00 ERA in the postseason. The Tigers need him to stay healthy in 2015 and be the quality pitcher that they traded for.

2. Anibal Sanchez

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2. Anibal Sanchez

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Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

With Scherzer likely to depart, the Tigers are going to need a few of their other starters to step up and one of those guys is Anibal Sanchez. After leading the AL in ERA and FIP in 2013, Sanchez had a decent year in 2014, but was hampered by injuries, spending a couple of stints on the DL. Sanchez has a front-of-the-rotation type arm and the Tigers are definitely going to need him to stay healthy part of their staff in 2015.

1. Miguel Cabrera

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1. Miguel Cabrera

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Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

After the Tigers' season came to a close, it was reported that Miguel Cabrera underwent ankle surgery. He was, of course, playing through a nagging ankle injury throughout the end of last season, but that didn't stop him from putting together a monster September. There have been concerns as to whether or not he will be ready for Opening Day, but once the big man is healthy, the Tigers are going to need him to stay healthy.

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