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.

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.