Detroit Tigers: Joe Jimenez should be utilized, regardless of trades

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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) /

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.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 14: Joe Jimenez #43 of Puerto Rico pitches during the sixth inning in the World Baseball Classic Pool F Game One between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico at PETCO Park on March 14, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images) /

Why Joe Jimenez should be added to the Detroit Tigers bullpen

At this point, Jimenez make an ideal addition to a Detroit bullpen that is 20^th in WAR, 22^nd in strikeouts per nine innings, 23^rd in ERA, 25^th in FIP and 30^th in xFIP over the last 30 days.

On the season, only Nationals relievers have a lower WAR.

With our without Justin Wilson

Jimenez should be added to the bullpen for the stretch run this season regardless of whether Justin Wilson is dealt or not.

If Justin Wilson stays

Not only would the right-hander add another dimension to the relief corps with his ability to miss bats, but he’d also give manager Brad Ausmus an extra option to use late in games.

Additionally, Jimenez can step in for Alex Wilson in a setup role. Wilson has struggled as of late, allowing 30 hits, 15 runs, six walks and two home runs in his last 16.1 innings.

While Bruce Rondon’s return to form has certainly helped things, Wilson’s struggles have limited manager Brad Ausmus’ options late in games.

As of now, Rondon, Shane Greene and Daniel Stumpf are Ausmus’ top options.

With Jimenez in the bullpen, the Tigers can mix and match more and not have to lean on the same pitcher or pitchers over and over again.

DETROIT, MI – JULY 4: Justin Wilson #38 of the Detroit Tigers pitches against the San Francisco Giants during the ninth inning at Comerica Park on July 4, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Wilson recorded his ninth save in the Tigers 5-3 win. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

If Justin Wilson is traded

Should Wilson be dealt, Joe Jimenez stands out as one of the few closing options for the Detroit Tigers. The other most prominent options are Shane Greene and Bruce Rondon.

However, Greene seems better suited in his multiple-inning role.

Rondon has certainly pitched like a closer as of late.

Since making his return to the Majors on June 25, the flamethrower has struck out 15 of the 38 batters he’s faced, allowing just six hits, five walks and three runs.

All told, that spits out to a 2.79 ERA, a 2.70 xFIP and a 1.60 FIP.

In a perfect world, the Tigers can use Rondon as the team’s primary closer while easing Jimenez into high-leverage situations.

Once Jimenez has acclimated to pitching in key moments, Detroit can use utilize a platoon at closer before heading into 2018 with two closing candidates with premium stuff.

Fixing the Tigers’ bullpen ahead of 2018 would go a long ways towards the team contending next season.

Unfortunately, it has once again been the team’s Achilles’ heel this season.

In 2017, The Tigers position players also rank eighth in defensive runs above average and wRC+, ninth in wOBA as well as 11^th in total WAR.

Meanwhile, Detroit’s starting pitchers rank 10^th in the league in WAR.

The bullpen on the other hand sits in the bottom fie in the league in strikeouts per nine innings, walks per nine innings, home runs allowed per nine innings, ERA, FIP, xFIP and swinging strike percentage.

It isn’t hard to imagine the Tigers in the thick of things contention-wise if the team’s bullpen performed better this season.

Next: Al Avila’s under-the-radar additions are paying off

Hopefully, with a revamped bullpen featuring a more experienced Jimenez will help turn things around statistically next season.

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

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.

Why Joe Jimenez should be added to the Detroit Tigers bullpen

If Justin Wilson stays

If Justin Wilson is traded

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