Detroit Tigers: Four Spring Training Invitees Most Likely To Make Opening Day Roster

Edward Mujica

Age: 32
Position: Relief Pitcher
Seasons of Major League Experience: 10

As it stands, the best way for a player to crack the Detroit Tigers roster is likely in the bullpen or on the bench.

A proven commodity at the Major League level, Edward Mujica has arguably the best chance to make the team out of Spring Training.

The reliever owns a solid 3.85 career ERA. That number includes a stretch from 2009 to 2014 that saw the pitcher notch a 3.40 ERA in 429.1 innings for five different franchises.

If he can pitch like that out of the gate, the Tigers will have a hard time keeping Mujica off the roster.

While many of the pitchers Detroit invited to Spring Training have spent time as relievers, the former Cardinal comes with the added bonus of boasting experience as a closer.

During the 2013 season with St. Louis, Mujica appeared in 65 games. He finished 49 en route to tallying 37 saves and a 2.78 ERA. The 32-year-old made the All-Star team that season.

The pitcher has also turned in three different seasons where his SIERA came in under the 3.20 mark. Overall, Mujica hasn’t posted a SIERA over 4.00 since the 2008 campaign—which was his first full season in the Majors.

If the former All-Star can post similar numbers for the Tigers, he could become an integral part of Brad Ausmus’ relief corps.