Detroit Tigers Spring Training Preview: Bullpen Locks

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.

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.