Jimenez is dominating the minor leagues and the Tigers need bullpen help. It’s that simple.
Earlier this season, many Detroit Tigers fans were hoping the organization would push promising right-handed reliever Joe Jimenez up to Double-A Erie in hopes of finding a challenge for the 21-year-old Puerto Rican. They got their wish on May 26, when Jimenez was promoted after 16 1/3 scoreless innings for the Advanced-A Lakeland Flying Tigers.
So far, Jimenez is still searching for that challenge. In seven appearances for the SeaWolves, Jimenez has struck out 13 of the 25 batters he faced while allowing just five hitters to reach base.