Detroit Tigers right-hander Kyle Funkhouser is funking up the competition

DETROIT, MI - JULY 17: Kyle Funkhouser #36 of the Detroit Tigers pitches in the sixth inning against the Minnesota Twins during game one of a double header at Comerica Park on July 17, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit defeated Minnesota 1-0. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)

One of the recurring themes of this year’s Detroit Tigers are the young players stepping up. Five of the team’s ten leaders in WAR are rookies. While Akil Baddoo, Derek Hill, Jake Rogers, Eric Haase, Casey Mize, and Tarik Skubal’s success has been recognized locally, relief pitcher Kyle Funkhouser has fallen under the radar.