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Detroit Tigers Top 25 Prospects: 15-11, Ecker, Voelker, Azocar, Maddox and Martinez

By Ben Rosener

Apr 8, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; General view during the national anthem prior to the game between the Detroit Tigers and the New York Yankees at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; General view during the national anthem prior to the game between the Detroit Tigers and the New York Yankees at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 29, 2015; Clearwater, FL, USA; A general view of a Detroit Tigers hats, gloves and sunglasses in the dugout against the Philadelphia Phillies at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

#14 Paul Voelker
Age: 24
Position: Relief Pitcher
2016 Minor League Affiliate: Erie SeaWolves

While the 2016 Erie SeaWolves finished last in their respective division, the team featured plenty of talent.

In terms of position players, Mike Gerber, JaCoby Jones, Christin Stewart and Anthony Pereira all saw time in the field.

On the pitching side of things, the likes of Jimenez, Tyler Alexander, Adam Ravenelle and Artie Lewicki all logged innings for Lance Parrish’s club.

Joining the top prospects with the Double-A club was right-handed reliever Paul Voelker.

Higher up on the minor league ladder than the likes of Ecker, Bryan Garcia and Zac Houston, Voelker turned in a promising 2016.

Despite a 1.444 WHIP and 9.0 hits and 4.0 walks allowed per nine innings, the relief pitcher posted the highest strikeout rate of his career.

In 54 frames, the former 10th-round pick punched out 13.2 batters per nine innings.

What’s more, Voelker’s 3.56 FIP suggested he was much better than his 4.17 ERA indicated.

If he can continue to post low run-prevention numbers, the reliever could be pitching in Detroit sooner rather than later.

Potential Future Role With the Detroit Tigers

Another potential closer, Paul Voelker registered 13 saves in 2016 following an 18-save campaign during the 2015 season.

His promising fastball-slider combination should help him continue to miss bats as he progresses towards the Majors.

Like Ecker, Voelker could join the likes of Rondon and Jimenez in shutting down opposing hitters late in games.

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