NFL Tickets
When the Detroit Tigers‘ rough 2016 campaign concluded, most expected that they would be in the market for a new closer. Last November, they were able to get their man.
The Tigers ended up acquiring Francisco Rodriguez from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for Javier Betancourt, who was rated by MLB.com as the team’s 11th best prospect at the time, and a player to be named later, which ultimately turned out to be catcher Manny Pina. Though no longer the same type of fireballer he was during his days with the Los Angeles Angels, Rodriguez was coming off of a couple of very solid seasons with the Brewers, saving a combined 82 games from 2014-15.
In the very first game of the Tigers’ 2016 season, Rodriguez gave up three earned runs on four hits against the Miami Marlins and blew his first save opportunity of the year. Given the fact that the Tigers have had a rather lengthy history of having shaky closers, such as Todd Jones, Fernando Rodney, Jose Valverde and Joe Nathan, some were a bit concerned that this was the beginning of another case of same story, different closer. After that first rocky outing, Rodriguez made it all the way until June 13 before blowing another save.
On the season, Rodriguez’s numbers look pretty good up to this point. He has a 3.38 ERA, a 1.16 WHIP and a 9.45 K/9. Plus, not only has he converted 20 saves in 22 opportunities, he notched his 400th career save earlier this year, becoming only the sixth pitcher in major league history to do so.
The Tigers’ bullpen has certainly had its share of issues once again this season, posting a 4.42 ERA, which currently ranks 26th in MLB. That said, Rodriguez has been a rather steady force at the back end of the ‘pen, and it is looking as though the Tigers made a rather astute move in acquiring him.
Overall Grade: B+
Share 
