Tigers: 2 players who proved their spring training was a fluke, 1 who was legit

1 player who was legit: SP Eduardo Rodriguez

E-rod had a great spring and just picked up right where he left off in the regular season. He's a pitcher who's benefitted greatly from the pitch clock. He already worked fast to begin with.

In spring training, he had a 1.47 ERA and 21 strikeouts to just three walks in 18.1 IP. He looked so comfortable on the mound, and that carried over into the regular season before he, too, got injured.

In 67.2 IP, E-rod has a 2.13 ERA and a WHIP under 1. He has a 2.6 bWAR through 11 starts. He was one of the best pitchers in all of baseball before the injury.

E-rod's injury was very unfortunate, but it sounds like he may be back sooner than expected. He's already thrown a bullpen session and will throw live BP on Saturday. He could be back by the All-Star break, which would obviously be great news for both him and the Tigers.

If he comes back and picks up where he left off pre-injury, that could increase his trade value. He's by far their most valuable trade piece.

For him, the more starts he makes, the more money he could make this offseason, assuming he opts out of his current deal.