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Detroit Tigers 2017 season: winners and losers so far

By Ben Rosener

May 5, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Detroit Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez (41) and left fielder Justin Upton (8) and center fielder Tyler Collins (18) high fives teammates after scoring on a three run triple by right fielder Jim Adduci (not pictured) against the Oakland Athletics during the sixth inning at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
May 5, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Detroit Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez (41) and left fielder Justin Upton (8) and center fielder Tyler Collins (18) high fives teammates after scoring on a three run triple by right fielder Jim Adduci (not pictured) against the Oakland Athletics during the sixth inning at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Detroit Tigers
May 9, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Wilson (left) celebrates with catcher James McCann after defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

The Bullpen’s Winners and Losers

Winner: Justin Wilson

Unfortunately, the Detroit Tigers have had more bullpen issues in 2017.

Much of this has had to do with a handful of struggling pitchers, including Francisco Rodriguez, Anibal Sanchez, Kyle Ryan and Bruce Rondon.

However, Justin Wilson has thrived for Detroit.

The left-hander began the year as Rodriguez’ setup man, but has stepped into the closer’s role with the veteran struggling.

Over the course of 16 appearances, Wilson owns some miniscule run-prevention numbers, with a 1.23 ERA, a 1.59 FIP and a 2.06 xFIP.

He’s also posted an excellent 43.4 strikeout percentage, 14.11 punch outs per nine innings and a 0.5 WAR. In fact, only Michael Fulmer and Justin Verlander have higher WAR stats on the entire pitching staff.

Loser: Francisco Rodriguez

While Justin Wilson has thrived, Francisco Rodriguez simply hasn’t.

The veteran closer does have seven saves in 14 appearances, but has also allowed hitters to reach base and score at an incredibly high rate.

In his 12.2 frames of work, Rodriguez has been tagged for 19 hits, 12 runs, five walks and four home runs.

So far in 2017, the pitcher has four losses on his record. That was the same number he had all of last season.

In fact, Rodriguez has only lost more than three games in a season in his career six times.

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