Call to the pen
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Detroit Tigers had no other option than Joe Jimenez at closer

By David Hill

DETROIT, MI - AUGUST 31: Closer Joe Jimenez #77 of the Detroit Tigers reacts after striking out Miguel Sano of the Minnesota Twins to end the game at Comerica Park on August 31, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers defeated the Twins 10-7. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - AUGUST 31: Closer Joe Jimenez #77 of the Detroit Tigers reacts after striking out Miguel Sano of the Minnesota Twins to end the game at Comerica Park on August 31, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers defeated the Twins 10-7. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /
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The Detroit Tigers officially named their closer, but they did not have any other options.

As we barrel towards the 2020 season beginning in earnest, the Detroit Tigers have several open positions on the roster. The bullpen is a gigantic question mark, with specific roles to be determined. The back of the Tigers rotation is likewise in flux, as are short, third, and the outfield. There are plenty of roles to be determined as Opening Day gets ever closer.

On Tuesday, the Tigers made one of those roles official. Manager Ron Gardenhire announced that Joe Jimenez would be the Detroit closer, allowing him to hold down the ninth inning once more.

Considered the Tigers “Closer of the Future” seemingly forever, Jimenez finally got his chance following the trade deadline. Over the final two months of the season, he posted a 3.06 ERA and a 1.302 WHiP, striking out 23 batters with six walks over his 17.2 innings. More importantly, he recorded nine saves in his ten chances, getting the job done when called upon in the ninth.

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That run of success does not entirely overshadow what has been a relatively turbulent major league career for Jimenez. He has had moments of success, but has also looked like he does not belong on a major league roster. Combined, that has led to a 5.41 ERA and a 1.373 WHiP over his 141.1 innings, with 177 strikeouts and 54 walks.

To be fair to Jimenez, those numbers look worse because of a horrific rookie campaign. However, he has been a serviceable reliever, essentially a league average bullpen arm. Likewise, the Tigers do not exactly have any other options to close – their other bullpen options have a combined five career saves, all by Alex Wilson.

Jimenez has been expected to be the Tigers closer for years at this point. With the franchise looking towards the future, and attempting to locate building blocks for a hoped for return to glory, Jimenez will get his chance to prove himself. It is now his time to seize the role that had been promised for so long.

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The Detroit Tigers officially named Joe Jimenez as their closer. Frankly, there wasn’t any other choice.

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