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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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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)
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 20th in WAR, 22nd in strikeouts per nine innings, 23rd in ERA, 25th in FIP and 30th 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.

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