MLB Trade Rumor: Detroit Tigers Hoping To Land Francisco Rodriguez

Jul 3, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Francisco Rodriguez (57) throws a pitch in the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

According to a Tweet by ESPN’s Buster Olney, the Detroit Tigers are hoping to be able to acquire Francisco Rodriguez from the Milwaukee Brewers.

There is some hope in the Tigers' organization that when the dust settles, they will be the team that lands Francisco Rodriguez. We'll see.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 20, 2013

K-Rod has earned 10 saves this year as one of three pitchers to share the closer’s spot, but he’s been very good this season regardless of role. In 24 appearances, Rodriguez has struck out 26 batters (28.3%), allowed just three earned runs (1.14 ERA), and walked only 8 batters (8.7%).

Rodriguez’s situation this season was similar to that of Jose Valverde. He wasn’t being offered big league deals, and so he ultimately re-signed with Milwaukee on a minor league contract. Unlike Valverde, however, Rodriguez proved his effectiveness and has turned himself into a trade chip for the organization.

K-Rod makes a ton of sense for BOS and DET because of his experience closing (if needed), because he can pitch in any role, in any market.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 20, 2013

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