Detroit Tigers Rumors: Dodgers interested in Shane Greene?
The 2018 non-waiver trade deadline is rapidly approaching and Tigers rumors are everywhere. Could the Detroit Tigers trade their closer?
Last season, Shane Greene had a breakout season in the Detroit Tigers‘ bullpen. The right-hander pitched to a 2.66 ERA through 67.2 innings and had a 9.71 K/9. He also assumed the closer’s role in August after Justin Wilson was traded to the Chicago Cubs.
Early on in his career, Greene was used as a starter by the New York Yankees and Tigers. While he did have some success in that role, it seemed evident by the end of last year that being a reliever was his true calling.
In 2018, Greene hasn’t been quite as sharp as he was last year. He currently has a 4.09 ERA (3.96 FIP) through 44 innings pitched. However, he has still been rather dependable as a closer, converting 21 saves in 24 chances. He has continued to average over a strikeout per inning as well. He has a 9.41 K/9 at the moment.
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With the 2018 non-waiver trade deadline growing ever so close, many have their eyes set on the Tigers and Tigers rumors are frequent. Though Detroit was able to hang in around longer than some expected after a surprisingly good start, they now trail the Cleveland Indians by 12.5 games in the AL Central. The Tigers could be positioned to sell off a few more pieces, and Greene is a player whose name has been mentioned in trade speculation.
According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, the Los Angeles Dodgers are looking for an extra reliever after coming up short in the Zach Britton sweepstakes. Per Carardo, the Dodgers are scouting Greene as well as Brad Brach of the Baltimore Orioles. The Dodgers, of course, already have a closer in Kenley Jansen, but Greene could be an effective late inning option.
The Tigers also appear to have their future closer in Joe Jimenez. Through 50 innings this year, Jimenez has posted a 3.11 ERA, a 1.12 WHIP and a 10.49 K/9. He was Detroit’s lone All-Star this season. In theory, having a capable replacement already in the bullpen could make it easier for the Tigers to move on from Greene.
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That being said, Greene is controllable through 2020. As long as he stays healthy, the Tigers should have other opportunities to trade him, should they wish to do so. There could conceivably be a time in the future when his value is higher than it is right now, so it might make more sense for Detroit to wait it out, but his attributes will lead to plenty of Tigers rumors about him.