MLB rumors: 5 prospects who can help the Tigers in 2019

PORT ST. LUCIE, FL - FEBRUARY 26: Daz Cameron #75 of the Detroit Tigers looks on during a Grapefruit League spring training game against the New York Mets at First Data Field on February 26, 2019 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. The Tigers won 14-4. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

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4. RHP Kyle Funkhouser

Funkhouser got a little roughed up in most recent start Tuesday night, allowing five runs on four hits over 3.1 innings. He has also thrown 166 pitches over his first two starts (6.1 innings), issuing five walks over 33 batters faced. But he also has 10 strikeouts thus far, to go with 21 swinging strikes in Tuesday night’s outing.

Elbow inflammation ended Funkhouser’s 2017 campaign early, and a fluky broken foot, suffered while walking on an uneven sidewalk, ended last year early for him after just two starts in Triple-A. Overall the step up to Double-A and Triple-A hitters last year brought a slight control issue (4.5 BB/9), and he issued 10 walks over 8.2 Triple-A innings.

Funhouser has four average to above-average pitches, with a changeup that he has developed and is regarded as an average big league offering.

The early continuation of 2018’s control problem is a concern. But it should only be a matter of time before Funkhouser figures it out, and surfaces in Detroit this season as a back-end of the rotation starter or a reliever.

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