Fansided

10 biggest MLB pitching disappointments of 2015

By Josh Criswell

Jun 29, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher CC Sabathia (52) walks off the field after being replaced during the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 29, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher CC Sabathia (52) walks off the field after being replaced during the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 11, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Neftali Feliz (39) delivers a pitch against the Kansas City Royals in the sixth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 11, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Neftali Feliz (39) delivers a pitch against the Kansas City Royals in the sixth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5 Neftali Perez

On July 11th, the Detroit Tigers found themselves in a difficult position.

After struggling with inconsistency all season long, the Tigers did not look like a team that was braced for a playoff run, despite only sitting two-and-a-half games back of the final spot in the American League Wild Card race. They were too far from being a legitimate contender, especially with star first baseman Miguel Cabrera on the disabled list, to go all-in and chase a big name on the trading block. But they were also too close to a playoff spot to justify trading away impact players for prospects.

With former Texas Rangers’ reliever Neftali Perez available in free agency, however, Detroit saw the perfect opportunity to improve a struggling pitching staff. The Rangers had designated Perez for assignment, and the 27-year old elected to become a free agent.

"“I had a lot of teams (interested),” Feliz told The Detroit News after signing with the Tigers. “But the Tigers are a good team. I know a lot of guys here I played with before. This is a team that’s trying to get to the World Series and trying to win.”"

These World Series aspirations were never close to a reality, though, as Feliz struggled tremendously upon arriving in Detroit.

He was already experiencing a disappointing season when he was released by the Rangers, and had given up 10 earned runs in just 19.2 innings pitched on the year. But if that was bad, his time with the Tigers has been nothing short of a disaster.

Perez has posted an 11.12 ERA since the All-Star break, and his team has fallen completely out of playoff contention.

This setback in 2015 is even more disappointing when considering that he has been so reliable throughout his career. His ERA had risen above 3.00 just once, and had bounced back from Tommy John Surgery with an impressive showing in 2014.

Unfortunately, the former Rookie of the Year has lost velocity on his pitches, and may have to reinvent himself if he wants to get back to the success he experienced earlier in his career.

Next: No. 4 C.C. Sabathia

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