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Detroit Tigers’ 5 Biggest Questions Going Forward In 2015

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Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
With the stellar play of the Kansas City Royals and Minnesota Twins, the Detroit Tigers currently find themselves in third place in the AL Central with a record of 26-20. Going forward, here are five very big questions that may help determine whether or not the Tigers rise to the top of the division once again.

With the stellar play of the Kansas City Royals and Minnesota Twins, the Detroit Tigers currently find themselves in third place in the AL Central with a record of 26-20. Going forward, here are five very big questions that may help determine whether or not the Tigers rise to the top of the division once again.

5. Will The Bullpen Continue To Hold Up?

5. Will The Bullpen Continue To Hold Up? Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
In sharp contrast to recent years, the Tigers' relief corps has been quite good this season, posting a rock-solid 2.76 ERA which currently ranks third in the AL. However, Detroit's bullpen finally hit a snag in the 10-8 loss to the Houston Astros on Sunday, so it will be quite interesting to see how Tigers relievers perform down the stretch. It should also be noted that the hard-throwing Bruce Rondon is currently rehabbing in Triple-A Toledo, so it will be fun to see what his return brings as well.

In sharp contrast to recent years, the Tigers' relief corps has been quite good this season, posting a rock-solid 2.76 ERA which currently ranks third in the AL. However, Detroit's bullpen finally hit a snag in the 10-8 loss to the Houston Astros on Sunday, so it will be quite interesting to see how Tigers relievers perform down the stretch. It should also be noted that the hard-throwing Bruce Rondon is currently rehabbing in Triple-A Toledo, so it will be fun to see what his return brings as well.

4. Will The Victor Martinez Of 2014 Show Up Again?

4. Will The Victor Martinez Of 2014 Show Up Again? Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
After enjoying a career year in 2014, the Tigers re-signed designated hitter Victor Martinez to a four-year, $68 million deal this past November. In February, however, Martinez injured the same knee that caused him to miss the entire 2012 season, and he consequently needed another surgery. The 36-year-old got off to a very slow start this year, and he is now on the 15-day DL with inflammation in his knee. V-Mart remains a vital part of the Tigers' offense, so hopefully he can start hitting again once he is ready to return to the lineup.

After enjoying a career year in 2014, the Tigers re-signed designated hitter Victor Martinez to a four-year, $68 million deal this past November. In February, however, Martinez injured the same knee that caused him to miss the entire 2012 season, and he consequently needed another surgery. The 36-year-old got off to a very slow start this year, and he is now on the 15-day DL with inflammation in his knee. V-Mart remains a vital part of the Tigers' offense, so hopefully he can start hitting again once he is ready to return to the lineup.

3. Can Jose Iglesias Stay Healthy?

3. Can Jose Iglesias Stay Healthy? Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
After being sidelined for the entire 2014 season with stress fractures in both shins, Jose Iglesias has been one of the Tigers' biggest difference-makers this season, playing excellent defense at shortstop while slashing a cool .333/.388/.423 at the plate. However, he is now day-to-day with a contusion to his left knee, and he was also bothered by a groin injury earlier in the month. He has been able to dodge the DL so far, and hopefully that will continue to be the case.

After being sidelined for the entire 2014 season with stress fractures in both shins, Jose Iglesias has been one of the Tigers' biggest difference-makers this season, playing excellent defense at shortstop while slashing a cool .333/.388/.423 at the plate. However, he is now day-to-day with a contusion to his left knee, and he was also bothered by a groin injury earlier in the month. He has been able to dodge the DL so far, and hopefully that will continue to be the case.

2. Can Anibal Sanchez Figure It Out?

2. Can Anibal Sanchez Figure It Out? Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
After the trade of Rick Porcello and departure of Max Scherzer, many were leaning on Anibal Sanchez to be a crucial piece of the Tigers' rotation this year. However, the 2013 AL ERA champion is not off to the type of start that most were expecting, going 3-5 with a 6.12 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP over his first 10 outings. Detroit desperately needs Sanchez to get back on track.

After the trade of Rick Porcello and departure of Max Scherzer, many were leaning on Anibal Sanchez to be a crucial piece of the Tigers' rotation this year. However, the 2013 AL ERA champion is not off to the type of start that most were expecting, going 3-5 with a 6.12 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP over his first 10 outings. Detroit desperately needs Sanchez to get back on track.

1. Can Justin Verlander Be Effective Upon His Return?

1. Can Justin Verlander Be Effective Upon His Return? Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Sidelined with a right triceps strain since the beginning of the season, it appears that Justin Verlander is making progress towards his return. If he can recapture some of the dominance he displayed only a few short years ago, he could form a dynamite 1-2 punch with David Price. If not, the Tigers may want to start thinking about trading for another starting pitcher, especially if Sanchez continues to struggle.

Sidelined with a right triceps strain since the beginning of the season, it appears that Justin Verlander is making progress towards his return. If he can recapture some of the dominance he displayed only a few short years ago, he could form a dynamite 1-2 punch with David Price. If not, the Tigers may want to start thinking about trading for another starting pitcher, especially if Sanchez continues to struggle.

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