Detroit Tigers: Three More Minor League Players Who Can Help

Bobby Parnell

One of the last relievers in camp not to make the roster out of Spring Training, Bobby Parnell could be of great use to the Detroit bullpen.

The eight-year veteran looked solid early in the spring before running into a few dicey outings.

So far in Triple-A, the reliever has been a dependable bullpen option for Lloyd McClendon’s team. Parnell owns a 3.00 in 12 innings pitched with the Mud Hens. He’s finished five games, saving three of them. What’s more, the former Met has notched 11 strikeouts.

A roster move would be required considering Parnell isn’t on the 40-man roster, but he could be worth designating a player for assignment.

From 2010 to 2013, the 31-year-old was one of baseball’s premier late-inning arms.  The right-handed reliever compiled a 2.79 ERA (2.78 FIP) with 202 strikeouts in 213 innings pitched.

Parnell also has experience serving as a closer. He saved six games in 2010 and seven in 2012. The 2013 season saw the former New York pitcher save 22 contests.

That kind of experience could be useful for the Tigers if someone like Francisco Rodriguez or Mark Lowe struggles. Either way, it never hurts to have another option towards the back end of the bullpen.