Detroit Tigers: Who to take in the Rule 5 draft?
![DETROIT, MI - JUNE 28: A wide view of Comerica Park during a MLB game between the Detroit Tigers and the Chicago White Sox on June 28, 2015 in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers win on a walk off home run 5-4. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) DETROIT, MI - JUNE 28: A wide view of Comerica Park during a MLB game between the Detroit Tigers and the Chicago White Sox on June 28, 2015 in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers win on a walk off home run 5-4. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fmotorcitybengals-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2017-2F11-2F479465508-chicago-white-sox-v-detroit-tigers-jpg-850x560-e8bce534be80ee9f0c7da3a4416ed0cd.jpg)
Nick Burdi is a name which some Detroit Tigers fans are familiar with, he’s a second rounder who can throw 100 mph, and the Detroit News recently laid out an argument in his favor.
There are some risks though-Burdi had Tommy John Surgery in May and will be out most of 2018 rehabbing from the surgery. The Tigers will be taking a risk on a player who’ll rehab for months before ever even practicing.
His minor league numbers certainly suggest he’s worth the risk in 80 games, he’s posted a 3.20 ERA, a 1.23 WHIP, with 12.3 strikeouts per nine innings.
Burdi, though had Tommy John surgery at a fairly young age, which should be cause for concern on the Tigers part. However, as the Detroit News points out, Burdi is well known for his strong work ethic-which might help elevate the injury concerns.
Ultimately, it’ll be up to the Tigers if they think Burdi is a better option than drafting someone who wouldn’t need to rehab for most of 2018.