Detroit Tigers: Breaking Down All 22 Non-Roster Invitees

Notable Pitching Prospects

Joe Jimenez
Age: 22
Throws: Right-Handed
Role: Relief Pitcher

One of Detroit’s most promising pitching prospects, Joe Jimenez could finally make his Major League debut this season.

The flame-throwing reliever made the jump from Lakeland to Toledo last season, notching a 1.51 ERA and 13.1 punch outs per nine innings along the way.

He’ll have competition from Bruce Rondon and others, but Jimenez may just be the Tigers’ closer of the future.

Adam Ravenelle
Age: 24
Throws: Right-Handed
Role: Relief Pitcher

Ravenelle, who recently ranked 16^th on Motor City Bengals’ list of the top Detroit Tigers prospects, recently wrapped up the 2016 season at Double-A.

Similar to Jimenez in the sense that he’s shown the ability to rack up strikeouts in the past, Ravenelle could eventually pitch out of a Major League bullpen thanks to his fastball-slider arsenal.

Ruben Alaniz
Age: 25
Throws: Right-Handed
Role: Relief Pitcher

A former starter in the Houston farm system, Alainz signed with the Tigers prior to the 2016 campaign.

In 73.2 relief frames for Erie and Toledo, the 25-year-old didn’t disappoint. All told, the reliever pitched to a 2.69 ERA while striking out 9.0 batters per nine innings.

He also limited mistakes, with just 3.5 walks and 0.1 home runs allowed per nine frames.

Given his recent success, Alainz is certainly a name to watch heading into Spring Training.

Angel Nesbitt
Age: 26
Throws: Right-Handed
Role: Relief Pitcher

Angel Nesbitt has been here before.

The hard-throwing right-hander previously made Detroit’s roster out of Spring Training in 2015, and went on to appear in 24 contests for the Tigers.

However, after being sent down in early June of that season, Nesbitt never returned to Detroit.

Since then, he put up a 5.40 ERA with Toledo to end 2015 before turning in a 4.91 number with three minor league affiliates last season.