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Detroit Tigers: Five Potential Backup Closing Candidates
By Ben Rosener
Joe Jimenez
Throws: Right-Handed
Major League Innings: 0
Major League Saves: 0
Career WAR: 0
One of the better relief pitching prospects in the league, Joe Jimenez brings plenty of intrigue.
It remains to be seen if he’ll make the Detroit Tigers Opening Day roster, but Jimenez could make an impact out of the bullpen.
Like Rondon, he has the tools to succeed in the ninth inning thanks to promising fastball-slider combination.
Also similar to Rondon, Jimenez has had plenty of closing experience in the minors.
During the 2015 season with Single-A West Michigan, the reliever notched 17 saves.
Additionally, Jimenez saved 30 games last season across three minor league stops, finishing 52 games in the process.
All told, the 22-year-old has appeared in 126 games in the minors. He’s finished 105 contests while collecting 52 saves.
In addition to it being unknown as to whether Jimenez makes the team out of Spring Training, it also remains to be seen if the Tigers will put the prospect into key situations right away.
However, Jimenez has the upside to thrive there.
Long term, the right-hander is one of the front runners to step in and replace Rodriguez as the Detroit Tigers closer.