Projected Opening Day Bullpen
- Francisco Rodriguez (RHP) (CP)
- Alex Wilson (RHP)
- Justin Wilson (LHP)
- Bruce Rondon (RHP)
- Mark Lowe (RHP)
- Kyle Ryan (LHP)
- Blaine Hardy (LHP)
- Anibal Sanchez (RHP)
Francisco Rodriguez’s 430 career saves rank 1st among active players and 4th all-time.
He turns 35 today. pic.twitter.com/L0jr4TAjBl
— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) January 7, 2017
Bringing back Francisco Rodriquez was one of the most important moves that Al Avila will make this offseason. Sure, he is not a “lights out” flame thrower, but he is reliable. My hope is that Bruce Rondon really breaks out this season and becomes the Tigers closer beginning in 2018. Look for the Tigers to opt to start Anibal Sanchez in the bullpen (unless he lights the world on fire in Spring Training), as he would be a good long-relief type guy to turn to. If Sanchez were to crack the starting rotation, I think the Tigers would start Matt Boyd in Toledo and they could give a youngster like Joe Jimenez a long, hard look.
