Detroit Tigers relief pitchers haven’t enjoyed the best 2017 season.
Heading into the campaign, things look set with Francisco Rodriguez closing games, supported by dependable setup relievers in Justin Wilson, Bruce Rondon, Shane Greene and Alex Wilson.
There was also Blaine Hardy and Kyle Ryan on hand to provide left-handed options for manager Brad Ausmus.
Fast forward to late June and things haven’t gone as planned.
Rodriguez and Rondon both struggled mightily in the early goings, prompting the veteran to be removed from the closer’s role and the young flamethrower to be sent to Triple-A Toledo.