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Grading The Detroit Tigers’ Starting Rotation Through May

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Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
It is hard to believe, but the month of May will be coming to a close in a little more than just one week. On that note, here are early grades for each of the Detroit Tigers' starting pitchers through the first two months of the 2015 MLB season.

It is hard to believe, but the month of May will be coming to a close in a little more than just one week. On that note, here are early grades for each of the Detroit Tigers' starting pitchers through the first two months of the 2015 MLB season.

Kyle Lobstein, B-

Kyle Lobstein, B- Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Through seven starts this season, 25-year-old left-hander Kyle Lobstein has gone 3-4 with a 4.29 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP. While his numbers may not be overly impressive at first glance, Lobstein has had some pretty big shoes to fill in stepping in for the injured Justin Verlander. Plus, he has only given up more than three earned runs in two of his starts, so a "B-" would seem quite reasonable.

Through seven starts this season, 25-year-old left-hander Kyle Lobstein has gone 3-4 with a 4.29 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP. While his numbers may not be overly impressive at first glance, Lobstein has had some pretty big shoes to fill in stepping in for the injured Justin Verlander. Plus, he has only given up more than three earned runs in two of his starts, so a "B-" would seem quite reasonable.

Shane Greene, B

Shane Greene, B Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
After having three great starts, Shane Greene had three rough outings in a row before having another three very good ones. While it has been an up-and-down ride so far, Greene is currently 4-2 with a 4.05 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP. Considering how impressive he has been in two-thirds of his starts, he should be worthy of a "B."

After having three great starts, Shane Greene had three rough outings in a row before having another three very good ones. While it has been an up-and-down ride so far, Greene is currently 4-2 with a 4.05 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP. Considering how impressive he has been in two-thirds of his starts, he should be worthy of a "B."

Alfredo Simon, A-

Alfredo Simon, A- John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Although some Tigers fans were unsure of what to expect from him after his second-half swoon with the Cincinnati Reds last year, Alfredo Simon has been absolutely tremendous for Detroit. Over nine starts, the 34-year-old has gone 5-2 with a 2.67 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP. If it wasn't for one rough outing against the Kansas City Royals, he might be receiving an "A" rather than an "A-."

Although some Tigers fans were unsure of what to expect from him after his second-half swoon with the Cincinnati Reds last year, Alfredo Simon has been absolutely tremendous for Detroit. Over nine starts, the 34-year-old has gone 5-2 with a 2.67 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP. If it wasn't for one rough outing against the Kansas City Royals, he might be receiving an "A" rather than an "A-."

Anibal Sanchez, C-

Anibal Sanchez, C- Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Over nine starts this season, 2013 AL ERA champion Anibal Sanchez has gone only 3-5 with a 5.60 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP. He has had a couple of strong outings, which is why he is still in "C- territory," but the Tigers desperately need him to be the Sanchez of old going forward.

Over nine starts this season, 2013 AL ERA champion Anibal Sanchez has gone only 3-5 with a 5.60 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP. He has had a couple of strong outings, which is why he is still in "C- territory," but the Tigers desperately need him to be the Sanchez of old going forward.

David Price, B+

David Price, B+ Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Stepping into the role of the Tigers' ace after the departure of Max Scherzer over the offseason, David Price has been quite good over his first nine outings, going 3-1 with a 3.32 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP. He had one really rough outing against the New York Yankees, but he has a 2.20 ERA in his eight other starts. While a "B+" seems to be a fair grade for now, the 2012 AL Cy Young award winner certainly has the ability to work his way up to an "A" by season's end.

Stepping into the role of the Tigers' ace after the departure of Max Scherzer over the offseason, David Price has been quite good over his first nine outings, going 3-1 with a 3.32 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP. He had one really rough outing against the New York Yankees, but he has a 2.20 ERA in his eight other starts. While a "B+" seems to be a fair grade for now, the 2012 AL Cy Young award winner certainly has the ability to work his way up to an "A" by season's end.

Brad Faber is a writer for RantSports. Like him on Facebook.
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