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Detroit Tigers: Joe Jimenez should be used more in second half, regardless of trades

By Ben Rosener

DETROIT, MI - APRIL 28: Joe Jimenez #77 of the Detroit Tigers pitches against the Chicago White Sox during the ninth inning at Comerica Park on April 28, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. The White Sox defeated the Tigers 7-3. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - APRIL 28: Joe Jimenez #77 of the Detroit Tigers pitches against the Chicago White Sox during the ninth inning at Comerica Park on April 28, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. The White Sox defeated the Tigers 7-3. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 20: Pitcher Joe Jimenez #43 of the Puerto Rico throws a pitch against the Netherlands in the seventh inning during Game 1 of the Championship Round of the 2017 World Baseball Classic at Dodger Stadium on March 20, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 20: Pitcher Joe Jimenez #43 of the Puerto Rico throws a pitch against the Netherlands in the seventh inning during Game 1 of the Championship Round of the 2017 World Baseball Classic at Dodger Stadium on March 20, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

Detroit Tigers pitching prospect Joe Jimenez has been excellent in the minors this year. Now fully healthy, Detroit should be utilizing him down the stretch.

Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila could conceivably make a few more deals before the end of July.

The general manager has already dealt J.D. Martinez, and could hypothetically move other pieces like Alex Avila, Jose Iglesias and Anibal Sanchez.

One other conceivable trade chip is closer Justin Wilson.

The southpaw has been excellent this year, pacing all Detroit relievers with a 0.9 WAR and a 35.2 strikeout percentage.

However, if Wilson is dealt, one player who could step in and help fill the void is Joe Jimenez.

Jimenez showed flashes of promise in his first taste of big league action earlier this year, but he also struggled some.

The 22-year-old struck out five of the 20 batters he faced, but he was also tagged for six runs, two walks and a pair of home runs in 4.1 innings.

It is perfectly normal for a rookie to go through rough patches, but pitchers with Jimenez’ electric stuff and upside tend to figure things out with more appearances.

Jimenez has certainly figured things out in the minor leagues.

In 22 innings for Triple-A Toledo this year, the hurler has punched out 13.09 batters per nine innings, while registering a 1.64 ERA and a 2.57 FIP.

Additionally, the prospect also struck out 35.2 percent of the batters he faced while holding opponents to a 1.27 WHIP.

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