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5 Biggest Detroit Tigers Rumors Heading Into June

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Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
In recent weeks, the Detroit Tigers have been struggling quite a bit, and they now find themselves sitting 3.5 games out of first place in the AL Central. Here are five of the biggest rumors surrounding the Tigers as they look to claw their way back to the top of the division.

In recent weeks, the Detroit Tigers have been struggling quite a bit, and they now find themselves sitting 3.5 games out of first place in the AL Central. Here are five of the biggest rumors surrounding the Tigers as they look to claw their way back to the top of the division.

5. How Long Will Hernan Perez Stick Around?

5. How Long Will Hernan Perez Stick Around? Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
After making the team as a utility man this spring, Hernan Perez has slashed a mere .061/.088/.061 over his first 34 plate appearances. Considering the fact that Perez is out of minor league options, most believe that the Tigers are keeping him around out of fear of losing him on waivers. Right now, however, he is providing very little value while essentially taking up a roster spot.

After making the team as a utility man this spring, Hernan Perez has slashed a mere .061/.088/.061 over his first 34 plate appearances. Considering the fact that Perez is out of minor league options, most believe that the Tigers are keeping him around out of fear of losing him on waivers. Right now, however, he is providing very little value while essentially taking up a roster spot.

4. Who Will Bruce Rondon Push Out Upon His Return?

4. Who Will Bruce Rondon Push Out Upon His Return? Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
After missing all of the 2014 campaign due to Tommy John surgery and then suffering a biceps injury this spring, hard-throwing Bruce Rondon is now rehabbing in Triple-A Toledo. However, the Tigers' bullpen has been a pleasant surprise this season, posting a 2.90 ERA that currently ranks third in the AL, so they will have a very hard choice to make in deciding who Rondon will replace. It is worth noting, however, that he currently has a 8.31 ERA in five outings in Toledo.

After missing all of the 2014 campaign due to Tommy John surgery and then suffering a biceps injury this spring, hard-throwing Bruce Rondon is now rehabbing in Triple-A Toledo. However, the Tigers' bullpen has been a pleasant surprise this season, posting a 2.90 ERA that currently ranks third in the AL, so they will have a very hard choice to make in deciding who Rondon will replace. It is worth noting, however, that he currently has a 8.31 ERA in five outings in Toledo.

3. Are Ryan Howard And The Tigers A Match?

3. Are Ryan Howard And The Tigers A Match? Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
In recent days, some have begun to speculate that Detroit could potentially be a landing spot for Ryan Howard. While it would be far from an ideal match, trading for Howard would make a certain amount of sense as the switch-hitting Victor Martinez's trip to the 15-day DL has left the Tigers incredibly thin in the area of left-handed hitting. However, things would get quite interesting upon Martinez's return. Possibilities might include moving Miguel Cabrera back to third base, or platooning Howard and Martinez in the DH spot.

In recent days, some have begun to speculate that Detroit could potentially be a landing spot for Ryan Howard. While it would be far from an ideal match, trading for Howard would make a certain amount of sense as the switch-hitting Victor Martinez's trip to the 15-day DL has left the Tigers incredibly thin in the area of left-handed hitting. However, things would get quite interesting upon Martinez's return. Possibilities might include moving Miguel Cabrera back to third base, or platooning Howard and Martinez in the DH spot.

2. Is Justin Verlander's Return Imminent?

2. Is Justin Verlander's Return Imminent? Matt Kryger-USA TODAY Sports
In his highly-anticipated rehab start in Toledo on Sunday, Justin Verlander was not exactly lights-out, allowing six hits, three earned runs, two walks and recording three strikeouts over 2.2 innings of work. It still remains unclear when he will rejoin the Tigers, but giving him another rehab outing certainly doesn't appear to be a bad idea at the moment.

In his highly-anticipated rehab start in Toledo on Sunday, Justin Verlander was not exactly lights-out, allowing six hits, three earned runs, two walks and recording three strikeouts over 2.2 innings of work. It still remains unclear when he will rejoin the Tigers, but giving him another rehab outing certainly doesn't appear to be a bad idea at the moment.

1. Will Another Starting Pitcher Come To The Rescue?

1. Will Another Starting Pitcher Come To The Rescue? Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
It is hardly a secret that the Tigers' rotation has been a weak point this season, posting a 4.31 ERA that currently ranks 22nd in MLB. While David Price and Alfredo Simon have been good, the rest of the rotation has been rather shaky. Unless Verlander can provide the needed spark, it may be time to start thinking about attempting to trade for Scott Kazmir, Johnny Cueto, Aaron Harang or Cole Hamels. While Kazmir, Cueto and Harang are rental players, Hamels is signed through 2018 with a team or vesting option for 2019.

It is hardly a secret that the Tigers' rotation has been a weak point this season, posting a 4.31 ERA that currently ranks 22nd in MLB. While David Price and Alfredo Simon have been good, the rest of the rotation has been rather shaky. Unless Verlander can provide the needed spark, it may be time to start thinking about attempting to trade for Scott Kazmir, Johnny Cueto, Aaron Harang or Cole Hamels. While Kazmir, Cueto and Harang are rental players, Hamels is signed through 2018 with a team or vesting option for 2019.

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