Detroit Tigers: Starting in 2018, perhaps a bit sooner, bullpen will get younger

Bryan Garcia
Age: 22

Another fast riser in Detroit’s system, Garcia was taken in the fifth round of the 2016 draft. He was the Tigers’ first player drafted following Matt Manning and Kyle Funkhouser.

The hard-throwing right-hander has Labourt beat in the sense that he’s pitched at more levels of the Detroit Tigers minor league system this season.

Garcia has thrown for Single-A West Michigan, Advanced-A Lakeland, Double-A Erie and Triple-A Toledo.

The 22-year-old has allowed just two hits and two walks in his three innings with the Mud Hens so far, striking out six in the process.

On the season, he owns a 1.41 ERA, a .178 batting average against and a 0.99 WHIP. He’s struck out 72 of the 174 batters he’s faced this year.

A potential closer with 32 games finished and 17 saves in 2017, Garcia may end up debuting next season, but he’ll be worth the wait as a potential impact reliever down the line.

Myles Jaye
Age: 25

Jaye could eventually step into the Detroit Tigers rotation, but if all five starting berths are filled, the right-hander could move to the bullpen temporarily in a similar vein to how Drew Smyly was used in 2013.

The right-hander does well to limit damage with just 35 walks and 11 home runs surrendered in 109 2017 frames.

This is all without mentioning Joe Jimenez (22) and Bruce Rondon (26), who should continue to garner more innings down the stretch in 2017.

Next: Anibal Sanchez is struggling. Tigers should make rotation change

The future of the Detroit Tigers bullpen is bright, and it is coming sooner rather than later.