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Detroit Tigers Spring Training Preview: Bullpen Locks

By Ben Rosener |
Sep 9, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Francisco Rodriguez (57) celebrates after the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Comerica Park. Detroit won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 9, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Francisco Rodriguez (57) celebrates after the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Comerica Park. Detroit won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
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Feb 21, 2016; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Bruce Rondon (43) and teammates pitch in the bullpen at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 21, 2016; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Bruce Rondon (43) and teammates pitch in the bullpen at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila didn’t make many Major League signings this offseason, but he added significant depth at the minor league level. Here’s a look at the team’s locks in the bullpen.

Detroit Tigers relief pitchers improved significantly last season.

After years of struggling, the unit put things together in 2016.

Much of that was due to new additions Francisco Rodriguez and Justin Wilson.

Rodriguez solidified the back end of the bullpen, allowing the rest of the relievers to settle into consistent roles.

All told, the veteran racked up 44 saves and a 3.24 ERA while only allowing 0.93 home runs per nine innings.

Wilson on the other hand turned in a 12.5 swinging strike percentage, a 3.02 SIERA and a 1.1 WAR.

The duo looks set to return as the team’s closer and setup reliever. Additionally, Bruce Rondon should also contribute late in games.

While the back end of Detroit’s bullpen should look similar next season, there could be roles up for grabs elsewhere.

Intriguing offseason signings William Cuevas, Edward Mujica and A.J. Achter all have the upside to see action in games for the Tigers.

What’s more, prospects like Joe Jimenez and Adam Ravenelle could make a push for a roster spot.

With that being said, here is a look at the relief pitchers who seem to be locks to make the Detroit Tigers roster.

Sep 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Francisco Rodriguez (57) throws against the Cleveland Indians in the eighth inning at Progressive Field. The Tigers won 9-5. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Francisco Rodriguez (57) throws against the Cleveland Indians in the eighth inning at Progressive Field. The Tigers won 9-5. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Francisco Rodriguez
Age: 35
Throws: Right-Handed

This one is perhaps the easiest call on the list. Rodriguez could have conceivably been dealt in the offseason if the Detroit Tigers traded away the team’s veterans.

However, K-Rod is still with the Tigers, and will continue to close games. At this point, he’s Detroit’s best closing option.

Justin Wilson
Age: 29
Throws: Left-Handed

Another easy call, Wilson’s name surfaced in trade rumors during the offseason.

The former Pirate returns as Detroit’s top left-handed relief option. Wilson brings a much-needed blend of velocity and swing-and-miss stuff.

Despite posting a 4.14 ERA, the southpaw was one of Tigers’ best reliever last season.

He ranked second among Detroit’s bullpen arms in strikeouts per nine innings, SIERA and strikeout percentage.

Bruce Rondon
Age: 26
Throws: Right-Handed

If Wilson was one of the Tigers best relievers, Bruce Rondon may have been the club’s top bullpen pitcher.

Over the span of 36.1 innings, the hard-throwing right-hander was excellent. Rondon struck out 11.15 batters per nine innings while walking just 2.97 hitter per nine frames. His ERA finished at 2.97.

The right-hander also pitched to a 0.96 WHIP while holding batters to a .178 batting average. What’s more, he posted a 15.8 swinging strike percentage.

Aug 16, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Alex Wilson against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 16, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Alex Wilson against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Alex Wilson
Age: 30
Throws: Right-Hander

Since coming over from the Boston Red Sox with outfielder Yoenis Cespedes and pitching prospect Gabe Speier in the Rick Porcello deal, Wilson has quietly become an extremely effective reliever.

The 30-year-old doesn’t throw particularly hard, and he doesn’t strike out as many hitters as Rondon—however, he gets results.

Wilson has pitched to a 2.58 ERA in 143 innings since joining Detroit. While he only struck out 87 batters in a Tigers uniform, the right-hander has only been tagged for 32 walks and 10 home runs total.

Mark Lowe
Age: 33
Throws: Right-Handed

It’s safe to say Mark Lowe’s first season in Detroit didn’t go as planned.

The reliever made 54 appearances, logging 49.1 innings. Lowe’s ERA finished at 7.11, while his FIP and xFIP finished at 5.66 and 4.76 respectively.

However, there’s reason to believe the right-hander could be in for a rebound campaign next season.

The former Mariner’s SIERA came in at just 4.07, while he pitched to a 2.95 ERA in his final 21.1 innings.

Next: Detroit's Top Prospect Is...

If Lowe can continue to pitch at that rate, the Detroit Tigers will be in an excellent position to return to participate in playoff baseball.

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