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

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.