Buck Farmer was one of the Tigers' most reliable relievers for three years running, compiling a 3.92 ERA from 2018-20.
Then this year happened.
Farmer has a 12.66 ERA in 12 appearances. He's allowed six homers, the most in the majors among relievers. And on Friday the Tigers designated him for assignment.
Detroit has a week to either trade him or try to pass him through waivers to the minors.
"Whether it's with us or with somebody else, I have no doubt that he can figure it out," A.J. Hinch told reporters Friday. "He's got talent, he's got a good arm, and he knows how to pitch. But it just wasn't happening for him, multiple times in a row, and it became troublesome for us."
Farmer had the ugliest numbers in the ugliest bullpen in baseball. Tigers relievers have produced an ERA of 6.69, more than a full run higher than the next-worst team. It's one of several reasons Detroit enters play this weekend as the only big-league club with a winning percentage below .300.
Maybe Erasmo Ramirez can help. The Tigers selected his contract from Triple-A Toledo to take Farmer's place in the bullpen. The 31-year-old righty, who owns a career ERA of 4.31, shined in six appearances for the Mets last season.
And maybe Jake Rogers can help behind the plate. With catcher Wilson Ramos hitting the 10-day IL with a lumbar spine strain, the Tigers have summoned Rogers from Toledo.
The question with Rogers, as always: can he hit? His defensive chops are unquestioned. It's the only reason he still ranks among the Tigers' top 15 prospects, according to MLB Pipeline. But he went 3-22 with 10 strikeouts in spring training, losing out on the backup catching job to Grayson Greiner after failing to make the big-league club in 2020.
Rogers is 26 years old. He got a prolonged look with the Tigers in 2019 and struggled. This is his second chance, and who knows how many more are coming. Let's hope he makes the most of it.
