After today’s loss to the Minnesota Twins, the Tigers announced they had purchased the contract of William Cuevas from Triple-A Toledo. To make room on the roster for Cuevas, the team optioned Joe Jimenez. The move comes just a few short moments after Jimenez made his Major League Debut.
The move was apparently made to get a “long-relief” man in the bullpen after Anibal Sanchez worked in today’s game.
Tigers made the move to get a long man in the bullpen this weekend after Anibal Sanchez worked today.
— Evan Woodbery (@evanwoodbery) April 13, 2017
Jimenez faced three hitters today, getting two weak fly balls, and striking out the third. He was an imposing figure on the bump, and didn’t seem too frightened by the low-leverage situation he was in. However, he is back on his way to Toledo. He probably shouldn’t get too comfortable down there.
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Cuevas on the other hand, was in the Boston organization last year and pitched in three games. He carried a 3.60 ERA and was signed by the Tigers back on November 17, 2016. He has made one start for the Mudhens so far this season, working six shutout innings and striking out six.
The move comes on the heels of Anibal Sanchez’s 1.1 innings against the Twins, an outing where he gave up six earned runs and saw his ERA jump from 1.93 to 10.50. This type of move is made all the time and is out of complete necessity. The Tigers are going to be facing the Indians this weekend, and if one of their starters were to get into trouble like Zimmermann did this afternoon, they need someone to chew up innings.
Though it isn’t going to be popular, it is necessary. There is no reason to fret, Tigers fans, Joe Jimenez showed what he had today, and he will be back soon. This is all just part of the game. Until then, William Cuevas will be in the bullpen, and hopefully, he won’t be needed.
