As it became official that Justin Wilson had been traded to the Chicago Cubs along with Alex Avila, experts (random fans and media talking heads) began speculating as to who should be the new closer for the Detroit Tigers.
Some said it was a no-brainer that Shane Greene should get the gig as he has been the next best bullpen pitcher this season. Others argued the Tigers should call up flame thrower Joe Jimenez and toss him into the fire.
On Monday, the Tigers announced that Jimenez was indeed been called up from the Toledo Mud Hens but a role had was not assigned at the time.
Prior to the Tigers game on Monday against the New York Yankees, manager Brad Ausmus revealed that Greene was going to assume the closer duties moving forward.
Shane Greene is new Tigers closer, according to Brad Ausmus.
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) July 31, 2017
After struggling big time in 2015 and 2016, Greene has posted a 2.74 ERA in 50 appearances out of the Tigers bullpen in 2017. He is striking out nearly 10 batters per nine innings and though his BB/9 is way too high, Greene has limited base runners by only allowing 6.1 hits per nine.
Notes:
-With Alex Avila heading to the Cubs, John Hicks has been promoted from Toledo and will share the catching duties with James McCann.
James McCann and John Hicks will share time at catcher. Hicks will not see time in RF unless there's an emergency.
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) July 31, 2017
-As the MLB trade deadline approached, one rumor that started to gain a bit of traction is that Jose Iglesias could be dealt to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Tigers general manager Al Avila admitted that there was some interest in the slick-fielding shortstop but nothing was ever imminent.
Teams dealing with injuries checked in on Jose Iglesias, Tigers GM Al Avila said. "Nothing really took off."
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) July 31, 2017
https://detroitsportsnation.com/detroit-tigers-news/ddrysdale/breaking-justin-verlanders-post-trade-deadline-tweet-will-make-laugh/94686/
https://detroitsportsnation.com/detroit-tigers-news/ddrysdale/report-detroit-tigers-make-decision-regarding-justin-verlander-justin-upton/94679/
