MLB playoffs 2016: 3 reasons the Tigers will make it

The Return of the Ace

After a season and a half filled with injuries and a mounting frustration, the “Ace” has returned. Dubbed by many as “the workhorse,” Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander is no stranger to taking his games into the eighth inning, to ensure his team gets the win.

In twelve seasons on the starting rotation, he’s pitched nine consecutive years of 30 games or more, while posting at least a .600 win percentage in six of them. However, after his brilliant run, JV saw a significant drop in his production.

During 2015, he went 5-8 while posting a .385 win percentage and punched out his lowest strikeout total since his rookie year with 113.

Before the start of the current season, Verlander conditioned his body for a return that many thought would never happen. Whether it was his 276 career games, or his constant pursuit to take his pitch count into the high 130s, Verlander appeared to be on his way out of baseball entirely.

However, it’s Justin Verlander who will decide whether or not he calls it quits. In a more-than bounce back year, with a few starts remaining, he holds a much-improved 15-8 record and is back to tossing thirty game seasons.

Detroit’s success relies heavily on the success of the workhorse. He has the ability to put this team on his back and carry them toward something they haven’t seen in 32 years.

A World Series win.

Next: A Lights Out Closer