Detroit Tigers: Winners and losers from the 2017 season

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DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 1: Pitcher Blaine Hardy #36 of the Detroit Tigers is pulled by manager Brad Ausmus #7 of the Detroit Tigers as catcher John Hicks #55 of the Detroit Tigers looks on during the sixth inning of game two of a doubleheader against the Cleveland Indians at Comerica Park on September 1, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Hardy gave up three runs and five hits in less than three innings of relief. The Indians defeated the Tigers 10-0. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

Losers: Most veterans in the bullpen

The words “Detroit Tigers bullpen” and “youth movement” are starting to become synonymous.

With Francisco Rodriguez and Justin Wilson now departed, Shane Greene and Alex Wilson are likely the only veterans assured of bullpen roles heading into Spring Training 2018.

Sure, pitchers like Blaine Hardy, Bruce Rondon, Jeff Ferrell and Kyle Ryan could claim spots on the team, but at this point it may be more prudent to hand those relief innings to younger pitchers.

It certainly didn’t help that none of the aforementioned group established themselves as factors in the bullpen the same way Daniel Stumpf did in 2017.

The future is now in the bullpen for the Detroit Tigers

Joe Jimenez, Jairo Labourt and Zac Reininger all debuted in 2017 and should be back next season, as should Victor Alcantara.

Elsewhere, Bryan Garcia rocketed through Detroit’s minor league system over the course of the last year, going from Single-A West Michigan to Triple-A Toledo.

The 2016 sixth-round pick allowed just 36 hits, 22 walks and 13 earned runs in 55 innings, striking out 78 of the 216 batters he faced.

It wouldn’t have been a shock to see him in September given his production. He could potentially be in the bullpen mix early next season.

Potential 2018 call ups

Other relievers in the high minors who could transition to the Majors include Adam Ravenelle, fellow 2016 draft pick Mark Ecker and Paul Voelker.

Voelker seems like the best bet to make it first purely based on the fact that he reached Toledo to finish the year while the other two wrapped things up with Double-A Erie.

Regardless, Detroit has a number of young arms coming through the system, and could conceivably opt to cut ties with some veterans to make room on the 40-man roster.

Next: Free agent Howie Kendrick is the perfect fit for the rebuilding Tigers

The Tigers could also have starting pitchers like Long, Hall or Burrows begin their respective Major League careers out of the bullpen a la Josh Hader or Chris Sale, furthering the need for open roster spots.

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