The hope was that Joe Jimenez would take a step forward in 2020, further solidifying himself as the Detroit Tigers closer of the present… and future.
Unfortunately, Jimenez has struggled in a big way so far this season (12.10 ERA) and because of that, Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire has decided to demote Jimenez as closer and put him in some easier situations.
From Detroit Free Press:
“He’s a little out of whack,” manager Ron Gardenhire said. “A little frustrated. Overthrowing the ball. We decided we’re going to try to get him in a situation where it’s a little easier on him right now. He made one bad pitch. He threw one to the backstop, but I thought the ball was coming out a little better.”
With Jimenez getting the lesser pressure situations, for the time being, Gardy said he will play matchups to close out games with Jose Cisnero, Gregory Soto, and Buck Farmer all in the mix.
Joe Jimenez is out of the closer role for now. Needs to get back to form. Gardy said he will play matchups to close out games with Cisnero, Soto and Farmer
— Chris McCosky (@cmccosky) August 27, 2020
Nation, do you believe Jimenez will bounce back and eventually be the Tigers closer again? Or, have we seen the last of him in the 9th inning?
