George Sipple

Detroit Free Press

The Detroit Tigers enter May with some of the worst pitching statistics in baseball.

The Tigers have a 5.19 team ERA, which ranks the worst among 30 major-league teams. They are the only team in baseball with a team ERA over 5.

The Tigers also rank last in opponent batting average (.271) and team WHIP (1.52). The bullpen also has the worst ERA in baseball, by far (6.43).

The Tigers (12-12) begin a four-game series at 7:10 tonight at Comerica Park against the AL Central-leading Cleveland Indians (14-10). The Tigers begin the series in fourth place in the division, two games behind the Tribe.

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Lefty Justin Wilson has been the team’s best option in the bullpen. He has a 1.69 ERA and a 0.56 WHIP in 12 appearances. He has allowed two runs on two hits and four walks with 17 strikeouts over 10.2 innings.

Right-hander Michael Fulmer (2-1) has been the top starter over five starts. He has a 3.19 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP. Opponents are batting .198 against him and he has 26 strikeouts in 31 innings.

Among the struggling pitchers is closer Francisco Rodriguez. He is 1-2 with six saves in 10 appearances. He has a 5.59 ERA and a 1.66 WHIP.

Rigtht-hander Anibal Sanchez has a 9.82 ERA and a 2.32 WHIP, and has allowed a team-worst six home runs in seven appearances.

Right-hander Jordan Zimmermann is 3-1 in five starts, but has allowed five home runs and has a 6.18 ERA and a 1.63 WHIP.

Recently demoted lefty Kyle Ryan had a 7.94 ERA and a 2.82 WHIP in eight appearances.

Right-hander Bruce Rondon was sent back to Triple-A Toledo after three appearances. He allowed six earned runs on four hits and three walks over 1.1 innings.

Prized prospect Joe Jimenez, another right-hander, has gotten his lumps as well in five appearances. He has a 12.46 ERA and a 1.62 WHIP. He’s allowed six runs on five hits, including two home runs, over 4.1 innings. He’s walked two and struck out five.

Contact George Sipple: gsipple@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @georgesipple.

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