Matt Manning DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Matt Manning was optioned to Triple-A Toledo on Sunday following a spring in which he allowed eight earned runs on 10 hits and eight walks while striking out six batters in six innings of work. The former ninth-overall draft pick spent most of 2024 at Triple-A but made five starts for Detroit, posting a 4.88 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, and an 8.9 percent K-BB% in 27 2/3 IP. The 27-year-old will presumably be one of the first names called if and when Detroit needs a starter, but with a career ERA in the majors of 4.43, a 1.29 WHIP, and a lowly 6.31 K/9, there isn't much appeal for fantasy, even when he gets recalled.

According to Jason Beck of MLB.com, Detroit Tigers right-handed pitcher Matt Manning has an unclear role heading into spring training. Beck noted that while Manning has typically been deployed as a starter, he may have to shift to a bullpen role to have a spot on the MLB roster. Currently, Tarik Skubal, Jack Flaherty, Reese Olson, and Alex Cobb all have a spot in the rotation which leaves just one spot during spring training. Top prospect Jackson Jobe has been viewed as the "favorite" to land it, but Kenta Maeda, Casey Mize, and Manning could stake their claim for that spot. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring Manning's progression during spring training, as it will likely clarify his role at the start of the season. Last summer, he logged only 27 2/3 innings in the majors and posted a high 4.88 ERA with a 1.55 WHIP.

According to Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic, Detroit Tigers starting pitchers Casey Mize and Matt Manning could shift to bullpen roles during the 2025 season. While both pitchers will report to camp as starters, they could have an uphill battle to earn a spot in the Opening Day rotation. On Sunday evening, the team signed Jack Flaherty to a two-year contract. In addition, Stevenhagen noted that the team would like their top prospect, Jackson Jobe, to begin the season in the rotation. However, if he struggles during spring training, that could open up the final spot for Mize or Manning. Last season, Mize logged 102 1/3 innings in the majors and held a 4.49 ERA with a 1.47 WHIP. He struck out just 17.3 percent of the batters he faced. Manning logged only 27 2/3 innings in the big leagues as he spent most of his summer in Triple-A. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Jobe's development, as it will likely provide clarity to the back end of the Detroit rotation.