Detroit Tigers: Only Two Real Closing Candidates Other Than Francisco Rodriguez

1 of 3

Apr 16, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Detroit Tigers catcher Alex Avila (31) and relief pitcher Francisco Rodriguez (57) celebrate a 4-1 win over the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

Detroit Tigers closer Francisco Rodriguez has struggled this season. If the Tigers make a change at the back end of the bullpen, there are only two real candidates to take over for K-Rod.

Detroit Tigers fans haven’t exactly seen Francisco Rodriguez get off to the best start.

The closer turned in solid outing in the first game of the season against the White Sox.

He would also work around a hit to punch out two in an April 10 win over Boston.

However, despite five total saves, the results haven’t been pretty.

Rodriguez allowed three hits and a run against the Red Sox in his second outing of the season. He blew the save, but did earn the win.

Elsewhere, Rodriguez allowed runs in saves against Minnesota and Cleveland.

This is all without mentioning Wednesday’s game which saw Detroit’s closer allow two runs in the bottom of the ninth against Tampa Bay.

The argument could be made that the defense not turning the double play wasn’t Rodriguez’ fault, but he did give up a leadoff walk to Kevin Kiermaier and a double to Evan Longoria before the Tigers walked Brad Miller to load the bases and look for a force out.

In other words, Rodriguez can’t control his defense, but he did put them in that bases-loaded situation by allowing two batters to reach.

Overall, the 35-year-old has a 5.40 ERA, a 5.61 FIP and a 1.800 WHIP in 6.2 innings.

It remains to be seen just what the Tigers will do in terms of the back end of the bullpen, but if they make a change, there are only two real candidates to replace Francisco Rodriguez.

Apr 7, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers pitching coach Rich Dubee (52) talks to relief pitcher Bruce Rondon (43) during the eighth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Lack of Significant Closer Depth

Of the internal options for the Detroit Tigers, Justin Wilson and Joe Jimenez stand out as potential closing options.

Outside of the duo, Detroit’s other bullpen options are a bit of a mixed bag.

Bruce Rondon would be a hypothetical closer if he can regain his 2016 form.

The right-hander was arguably Detroit’s best reliever down the stretch last season, striking out 11.15 batters per nine innings while posting a 15.8 swinging strike percentage, a 0.96 WHIP and a 2.95 SIERA.

Those are closer-like numbers if Rondon can replicate them, but he’s struggled so far in 2017 (six runs and four hits allowed in 1.1 innings) with the Tigers.

Shane Greene has posted a 1.80 ERA so far this season. However, he’s handed out a walk in each of his last four appearances. Additionally, Blaine Hardy seems better suited at as setup reliever.

Elsewhere, Kyle Ryan, Anibal Sanchez and William Cuevas have all struggled mightily in limited appearances with Detroit.

The Tigers do have the likes of Warwick Saupold, Myles Jaye, Chad Bell and Drew VerHagen on the 40-man roster.

All four are largely untested though, and seem better suited to pitching multiple innings than closing.

Apr 13, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Joe Jimenez pitches in the ninth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Justin Wilson
Age: 29
Throws: Left-Handed
Career Saves: Two (Both in the Majors)

Justin Wilson struggled at times in 2016 for the Detroit Tigers, but has been superb this season.

In eight appearances, the southpaw has totaled 7.1 shutout frames.

Functioning as Rodriguez’ top setup man, Wilson has punched out 13.50 batters per nine innings, while posting a miniscule 0.409 WHIP. He also owns a 14.5 swinging strike percentage.

The only downside to moving Wilson into a closer is who takes over as the top eighth inning option.

This could be Rodriguez in time, but Alex Wilson and Greene seem like the most logical choices. Jimenez is another hypothetical option if he doesn’t close.

Joe Jimenez
Age: 22
Throws: Right-Handed
Career Saves: 54 (All in the Minors)

Speaking of Jimenez, the Detroit Tigers’ top relief pitching prospect has already pitched for the team this season.

In his Major League debut, the 22-year-old struck out a batter in a perfect inning.

Entering Thursday, Jimenez had worked four innings at the minor league level in 2017, striking out seven of the 16 batters he faced while surrendering just three hits and two walks.

All told, the right-hander has struck out 13.1 batters per nine innings in his career. His lifetime WHIP sits at 0.860.

Next: Previewing the Rest of the Tigers' April Schedule

In his professional career, Jimenez has only posted a FIP over 2.00 once. That was in 2016 with Triple-A Toledo. His FIP with the Mud Hens that season? Just 2.72.

Home / Detroit Tigers News

Detroit Tigers closer Francisco Rodriguez has struggled this season. If the Tigers make a change at the back end of the bullpen, there are only two real candidates to take over for K-Rod.

Lack of Significant Closer Depth

Justin WilsonAge: 29Throws: Left-HandedCareer Saves: Two (Both in the Majors)

Joe JimenezAge: 22Throws: Right-HandedCareer Saves: 54 (All in the Minors)

Schedule

Justin Wilson
Age: 29
Throws: Left-Handed
Career Saves: Two (Both in the Majors)

Joe Jimenez
Age: 22
Throws: Right-Handed
Career Saves: 54 (All in the Minors)