Detroit Tigers: Four Relief Pitcher Trades Tigers Should Make

Jun 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Fernando Abad (58) pitches to the New York Yankees in the ninth inning at Target Field. The Yankees win 7-6. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Fernando Abad, Minnesota Twins

We continue the list of relievers who would be good fits with the Tigers with another Fernando.

Signed in the offseason after two vastly different seasons in Oakland, Abad has thrived pitching out of the Twins bullpen.

Abad pitched to a 1.57 ERA in 2014, before posting a 4.15 number last season. This year, he’s lowered his ERA to a sparkling 2.28. Additionally, he’s struck out 23 batters compared to just eight walks (one of which was intentional) in 23.2 innings pitched.

While Abad’s FIP is nearly half a run higher than his ERA, it still sits at an outstanding 2.75.

Whereas the Padres are clearly in rebuilding mode, Minnesota is a different story. Yes, the Twins are dreadful right now with a 21-48 record and an abysmal -116 run differential. However, it was only last season that Miguel Sano and company just missed out on a wild card berth.

The Twins may want to keep Abad around for next season if the team gets better, but if Minnesota is open to making a deal, Detroit should pounce. The former Oakland A’s pitcher would give manager Brad Ausmus three quality options (along with Shane Greene and Bruce Rondon) to bridge the gap to setup man Justin Wilson and closer Francisco Rodriguez.

Fernando Abad, Minnesota Twins

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