Detroit Tigers: Eight Prospects in the Low Minors to Keep an Eye on in 2017

Hector Rodriguez
Age: 20
Position: Relief Pitcher
2016 Minor League Affiliate: Gulf Coast League Tigers East

Similar to Viloria, Rodriguez made his way to the States after thriving in a foreign summer league.

The 20-year-old posted ERAs under 3.50 in each of his two seasons playing for the Tigers in the Venezuelan Summer League.

The reliever appeared in 16 games for one of Detroit’s two affiliates in the Gulf Coast League, and posted some solid stats.

All told, Rodriguez turned in a 1.95 ERA in 27.2 relief innings. He’ll have to cut down on his walks—5.2 per nine innings—but it’s still extremely encouraging that the right-hander was so successful in his first season in the States.

Victor Mueses
Age: 21
Position: Relief Pitcher
2016 Minor League Affiliate: Connecticut Tigers

Similar to Rodriguez, Mueses also suited up for one of Detroit’s Gulf Coast League affiliates last season.

Playing for Tigers West, the right-hander notched a 3.32 ERA and 9.6 strikeouts per nine innings in 21.2 frames.

Those performances led to a stint with the Connecticut Tigers, where the 21-year-old made an early impact in limited innings.

Mueses struck out seven batters while allowing just one run in 4.1 frames.

With a 2.78 career ERA in the minors, the pitcher has a chance to move up the ladder if he can continue to replicate his success.