Bullpen Jobs?
The Detroit Tigers should certainly have their share of competition in the bullpen next spring. Last season, Detroit’s bullpen ended up posting the worst bullpen in the majors with a mark of 5.63.
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One Detroit reliever who did have a good season, however, was Shane Greene. Through 71 games, Greene went 4-3 with a 2.66 ERA and 1.24 WHIP.
He also converted nine saves. Assuming that he remains with the Tigers, he will likely be the team’s best reliever going into next season.
The bullpen could also feature Blaine Hardy and Alex Wilson. Hardy and Wilson have pitched well in the past but are both coming off of down years.
Other names to keep an eye on include but are not limited to, Warwick Saupold, Daniel Stumpf, Drew VerHagen and Joe Jimenez.
Jimenez is a compelling case in particular. While he has dominated in the minor leagues and has been described as a potential future closer, he struggled in his opportunities with the Tigers last season. Through 24 games with the Tigers in 2017, he posted a 12.32 ERA and a 2.11 WHIP.
The Tigers have now parted ways with Bruce Rondon as well. Though Rondon was once also described as a potential closer to the future, he failed to live up to expectations during his time within Detroit and was non-tendered early last month.
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It is also entirely possible that the Detroit Tigers could bring in free agents as well. Last month, it was reported that they were showing interest in Fernando Rodney, who later signed with the Minnesota Twins. Naturally, veteran arms are something that the Tigers’ bullpen could certainly use right now.