Detroit Tigers: The Redemption of Bruce Rondon

Some people simply take more time to mature. Bruce Rondon could be one of those people. After being removed from the team prior to the end of the 2015 season and being suspended for his bench-clearing brawl in Venezuela, Rondon will need to prove himself when he returns to the Detroit Tigers for Spring Training.

Jul 27, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Bruce Rondon (43) throws a pitch during the eighth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Detroit Tigers 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

According to Jeff Beck with MLB.com, the Tigers’ General Manager, Al Avila did watch the fight between Rondon and Pittsburgh Pirates’ prospect Jose Osuna. Avila commented on how the fight was not the first and it won’t be the last, as well as how he believed Rondon should not have instigated the fight, especially if he chose to hit Osuna with the pitch.

Rondon will not be punished by the Detroit Tigers organization for the fight. But, he was suspended for eight games. He has not thrown a pitch in a game since that day. Nine other players were suspended in the fight, too.

Spring Training will be the next time that Rondon joins the Tigers. According to the Avila, Rondon has been working out regularly in Venezuela, preparing himself for 2016. This could be the first sign that Rondon is looking for redemption for his mistakes in the previous season.

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In 2015, he had one of the best arms in the bullpen, he now will have some competition. Currently, the Tigers have a loaded bullpen with experienced arms that have proven they can win. It is also full of young arms that are ready to move to the next level. If Rondon wants to remain a Tiger, he will need to act like an adult who can handle the pressure of his chosen career.

When Joe Nathan left the team with his elbow injury in April 2015, the bullpen was stocked mostly with pitchers under the age of 25. Joakim Soria was the only other veteran arm in the pen, until he was traded at the deadline in July. This left the second half of the season devoid of any true leaders to guide the young pitchers. This will all change in 2016.

Jun 6, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Francisco Rodriguez (57) pitches in the ninth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The Milwaukee Brewers beat the Minnesota Twins 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Now that fellow Venezuelan, Francisco Rodriguez will be in the bullpen during Spring Training, hopes are that he will be able to guide young Rondon in the ways of the closer. But, with the new additions, Mark Lowe and Justin Wilson, Rondon will have more competition than he had in 2014 and 2015. Brad Ausmus commented that Alex Wilson and Blaine Hardy will be back for 2016. There is also the question of Shane Greene, Buck Farmer, Michael Fulmer, and a few other pitchers on the current 40-man roster.

Rondon will have to prove himself in Spring Training and pitch like an adult who wants a career in baseball. No more fights. No more missed workouts. No more breakdowns on the mound. If he doesn’t, there are plenty of other men out there who will fight for the honor to pitch for the Old English D.

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All Rondon has to do is look at what is happening with Aroldis Chapman and how his current reputation is affecting his value. Rondon should also look to his teammate, Miguel Cabrera, to see what can happen when a player redeems himself by focusing on the game. Rondon has the arm to be amazing. He just has to take care of business.

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