Detroit Tigers: Non-Roster Invitees to Watch During the Rest of Spring Training

Edward Mujica
Position: Relief Pitcher

As recently as 2013, Edward Mujica was an All-Star closer for the St. Louis Cardinals, tallying a 2.78 ERA and 37 saves while allowing just 0.7 walks per nine frames.

Since then, the veteran reliever has spent time in both Boston and Oakland’s bullpens, while also seeing time with Kansas City and Minnesota’s Triple-A teams.

Mujica could be useful bullpen piece for Brad Ausmus and company. He turned in a solid first outing with a shutout inning against Baltimore, but allowed two runs, two hits and a walk away to Toronto in his second appearance.

His past success makes him a definite name to watch.

Joe Jimenez
Position: Relief Pitcher

Detroit’s closer of the future, Jimenez won’t be with the team for a stretch as he too participates in the World Baseball Classic.

However, he’s worth following upon his return as he could make a play for a final bullpen slot.

When ready, Jimenez’ swing-and-miss stuff could give the Detroit Tigers a potentially frightening back end of the bullpen considering Bruce Rondon’s similar ability to miss bats.

Ruben Alaniz
Position: Relief Pitcher

Like Jimenez, Alaniz could force his way into contention for a bullpen place. He’s arguably been Detroit’s best player in Spring Training.

Albeit in a small sample size, Alaniz has tossed 3.1 shutout innings in two outings. He’s allowed just two hits while striking out five.