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

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.