(Photo: Frank Franklin II, AP)
Philadelphia — Joe Jimenez’s hiatus from the primary set-up role in the Tigers’ bullpen is apparently over.
“We let him have a little break,” manager Ron Gardenhire said. “But we told him, ‘You’re it. You are the guy,’ and he responded.”
Gardenhire called on Jimenez to protect a two-run lead in the eighth inning Tuesday, with the heart of the Phillies batting order coming up. Jimenez responded in nine pitches — getting Jean Segura to ground out, then striking out Bryce Harper with a 97.5-mph fastball and Rhys Hoskins on three straight sliders.