Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
The Detroit Tigers have announced yet another move in the bullpen, this time recalling Bruce Rondon from Triple-A Toledo.
Bruce Rondon is joining the #Tigers for tonight’s game at Tampa Bay, team announces. No move announced yet to make room on roster.
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) June 28, 2013
This isn’t the first time Rondon has been up with the big club this season. He was called up May 25 in what turned out to be an extremely short stint. He made three appearances and lasted just 2.1 innings, allowing three runs on five hits. He struggled to find the strike zone consistently and was sent down to iron out his control issues.
Rondon has a blazing fastball. He touches 99 mph with regularity and has a solid slider to go along with it. The 275-pound Venezuelan appears to have gotten his act together in the minors, and it was only a matter of time before he got another chance to throw in the MLB.
In 29.2 innings pitched with the Toledo Mud Hens, he has surrendered 14 hits and 13 walks while striking out 40.
The Tigers said they would announce a corresponding move before tonight’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Phil Coke was the latest Tigers’ reliever to have a rough outing as he gave up two runs in a losing effort against the Los Angeles Angels Thursday. His 0-5 record and 6.56 ERA don’t look too pleasing on the stats sheet.
Jim Leyland said the Tigers need Coke to be at his best in order to be successful, but he may be the next Tigers’ reliever to be sent through the revolving door.
David Fouty is a columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @davefouty, “Like” him on Facebook and add him to your network on Google+.
