$Predicting Detroit Tigers\' 2016 Opening Day Bullpen$

Predicting Detroit Tigers' 2016 Opening Day Bullpen

By Brad Faber

Heading into spring training, it was thought that the Detroit Tigers might only have one or two bullpen spots up for grabs. However, a couple of recent injuries have at least temporarily changed things. The recent demotion of Bruce Rondon and release of Bobby Parnell have also helped clarify the picture to a certain extent. So, without further ado, here is a late spring training prediction of what the Tigers’ bullpen may look like on opening day.

$Predicting Detroit Tigers\' 2016 Opening Day Bullpen$

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Shane Greene, Swingman — With the injury to Daniel Norris, right-hander Shane Greene has emerged as a favorite among some to win the No. 5 spot in the rotation, but he would also be a nice fit in the bullpen. Placing Greene in the bullpen would also open up a spot in the rotation for Matt Boyd, which would give the team a left-handed starter. Perhaps Greene should start the season in somewhat of a swingman role for the Tigers.

Buck Farmer, Long Relief — Somewhat quietly, Buck Farmer has been putting together a very nice spring for the Tigers, posting a 2.25 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP through 12 innings of work. Farmer hasn't had much success during the limited time he has spent with the Tigers over the past two seasons, but with Alex Wilson currently on the sidelines and Blaine Hardy perhaps out as well, his strong spring should earn him plenty of consideration for one of the bullpen vacancies.

Drew VerHagen, Middle Relief — Through 26.1 innings of work out of the Tigers' bullpen last year, Drew VerHagen was very impressive, posting a 2.05 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and a 74.7 percent ground ball rate. VerHagen hasn't had a great spring, but he should have the skills to quickly turn the page once the calendar flips to opening day.

Kyle Ryan, Middle Relief/Left-Handed Specialist — After having some success with the Tigers over the combined 66.2 innings of big league work he has thrown over the past two seasons, Kyle Ryan has posted a sparkling 2.45 ERA and an 0.91 WHIP over 11 innings this spring. If Hardy begins the season on the sidelines, it would make sense if the Tigers wanted to replace him with another lefty, and Ryan fits the mold.

Justin Wilson, Seventh Inning — Acquired from the New York Yankees in an offseason trade, many expect Justin Wilson to play a big role in the Tigers' bullpen in 2016. He has struggled a bit this spring, but had a fantastic campaign with the Yankees last year, posting a 128 ERA+ in 61 innings. The 28-year-old also had success early on in his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Mark Lowe, Eighth Inning — Signed to a reported two-year, $11 million deal over the offseason, Mark Lowe was another big part of the Tigers' bullpen overhaul this winter. Like Wilson, Lowe hasn't had a great spring either, but he was excellent last year for the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays, posting a 198 ERA+ over a combined 55 innings of work.

Francisco Rodriguez, Closer — Acquired in an offseason trade with the Milwaukee Brewers, Francisco Rodriguez may no longer throw as hard as he once did, but he is still a great closer and has been doing the job for a long, long time. He is also coming off of a great season, saving 38 games in 40 opportunities for the Brew Crew.

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