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

Detroit Tigers non-roster invitees have already started to make an impact in camp as Spring Training continues. Here’s a look at the non-roster invitees to watch over the course of the rest of the spring.

Detroit Tigers players were back in action on Saturday against the New York Yankees.

While the game ended 11-1 with the Tigers on the losing end of the scoreboard, there were still positives to be had.

Jordan Zimmermann fired off two shutout innings to start the game, while Arcenio Leon and Angel Nesbitt combined for 2.2 scoreless innings and four strikeouts.

Detroit only mustered six hits and one run, but Omar Infante made an impact.

Starting at third base, the veteran non-roster invitee went one-for-two with an RBI double. He would alter make way for Dominic Ficociello, who himself is having a fine spring camp.

As Spring Training progresses, Infante and Ficociello are two of a handful of non-roster invitees to watch.

Considering Detroit’s roster is mostly set, there won’t be too much competition for roster spots. However, the Tigers certainly aren’t short of options.

Here are a few non-roster invitees who you should be watching for as the calendar inches closer to April.

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.