Detroit Tigers: Spring position battles to watch for

Bullpen

The bullpen has plagued the Tigers for years. Even when the team competed, the ‘pen was the weakest link. This year, it doesn’t seem to change.

We know Shane Greene is the closer. Aside from him, a lot of spots are open.

The setup slot depends on whether Alex Wilson makes the rotation or not. It’s his spot in the bullpen to lose. If Wilson does make the rotation, Blaine Hardy and Daniel Stumpf will compete for it. Either way, Stumpf and Hardy will most likely make the team.

Then, there are at least seven or eight pitchers competing for three or four more spots. Warwick Saupold, Drew VerHagen, Jairo Labourt, Artie Lewicki, Chad Bell, Zac Reininger, and Joe Jimenez are all on the spring depth chart.

Most likely, Saupold, Jimenez, and VerHagen will make the team. Saupold made 45 appearances last season, and had a few signs of success early, but trailed off later.

Jimenez is Detroit’s 22 year-old closer of the future. He dominated Triple-A last year, appearing in 26 games, pitching 25 innings, going 1-1 with a 1.44 ERA and 36 strikeouts. The power pitcher did get a taste of major-league action last year, but will have an expanded role in 2018.

VerHagen has had pitched in a few stints the past four years with Detroit. The 27 year-old had success in 2015, but hasn’t been in the majors for enough time to adjust to MLB hitters. Of the three pitchers listed above, VerHagen is the most likely to start the year in the minors.

Then, you have Travis Wood who is just competing for a spot on the roster. He had a tremendous amount of success in 2016 out of the Cubs bullpen, and the Tigers are hoping his reunion with  Chris Bosio brings back his success.

Finally, a handful of minor league signings in James Russell, Johnny Barbato, Enrique Burgos and Phillippe Aumont will look to make Detroit’s bullpen as well.

Here’s our full look at the bullpen.