Detroit Tigers: Non-Roster Invitee Pitchers Most Likely to Make Team

Detroit Tigers players are right around the corner from Opening Day. Here are the pitchers in camp as non-roster invitees who are most likely to make the team.

Detroit Tigers fans saw the team keep much of its successful nucleus together during the offseason.

After a winter full of rumors, Cameron Maybin ended up being the only player dealt. The fleet-of-foot outfielder was flipped to the Los Angles Angels of Anaheim.

While the likes of Miguel Cabrera, Justin Verlander, Ian Kinsler and J.D. Martinez all stayed in the Motor City, that didn’t prevent the team from adding depth heading into Spring Training.

The Tigers were active in terms of bringing in minor league free agents.

While the likes of Efren Navarro, Omar Infante, Anthony Gose and Alex Presley provided the team with extra options in terms of bench places, the team added a number of potential bullpen pieces.

A.J. Achter, William Cuevas and Edward Mujica entered Grapefruit League play with legitimate chances of making Detroit’s bullpen.

With Spring Training winding down, here’s a look at the non-roster invitees who could suit up for the Detroit Tigers as part of the team’s Opening Day roster.

More from Detroit Tigers News

• Detroit Tigers: Prospect Colt Keith is making up for lost time in AFL
• Detroit Tigers: Victor Reyes finding ways to get the job done
• The Detroit Tigers must cut their losses and release Jonathan Schoop
• Detroit Tigers: Garrett Hill’s new role and changed delivery are excellent
• Detroit Tigers: Joe Jiménez has rebounded in 2022

Ruben Alaniz
Age: 25
Throws: Right-Handed
Role: Relief Pitcher

Alaniz didn’t join the Tigers this offseason, he spent 2016 with both Erie and Toledo, but he’s been excellent this spring.

The former Houston Astros farmhand has pitched to a 1.35 ERA in 6.2 innings so far, striking out seven while giving up just seven hits, a walk and a run.

Alaniz, like the other pitchers on this list, is a hard-throwing relief option.

The Tigers haven’t had many successful flamethrowers as of late, but Alaniz would give the team an intriguing arm to pair with Bruce Rondon.

Arcenio Leon
Age: 30
Throws: Right-Handed
Role: Relief Pitcher

Leon actually began Spring Training in minor league camp, but eventually joined Detroit as a non-roster invitee.

The hard-throwing right-hander has been impressive as he’s yet to allow a run in five outings in Grapefruit League play. Leon has also given up just one hit while punching out four.

If he doesn’t make the Opening Day roster, it wouldn’t be a shock to see him make his Major League debut at some point in 2017.

Related Story: Now is Time for Tigers to Take Fliers on Players Let Go By Other Teams

Joe Jimenez
Age: 22
Throws: Right-Handed
Role: Relief Pitcher

Joe Jimenez has made just two appearances for the Tigers this spring, but he remains one of the team’s most promising relievers.

The team’s closer of the future, Jimenez has two innings of work under his belt. While he’s allowed three hits, a run and a walk, the pitcher recorded all six of his outs via the strike out.

Much of Jimenez only appearing in two games was due to him playing in the World Baseball Classic for Puerto Rico.

In four games at the tournament, Jimenez struck out two while allowing four hits, a walk and now runs in three frames of work.

Next: Check Out Where the Tigers Rank in Our 1st Power Rankings of the Season

Outside of Francisco Rodriguez, he may be the Tigers best option in terms of closing games right now.