Francisco Rodriguez became the latest veteran closer to find his end with the Tigers. The team released MLB’s active saves leader on Friday, abandoning the effort to bring him back to form after his low-leverage work became a high-profile issue.
The culmination came Thursday, when Rodriguez gave up a grand slam to Robinson Cano that ended up being the difference in a 9–6 loss to the Mariners. Rodriguez entered the game with the Tigers trailing, 5–3, and proceeded to load the bases on a hit-by-pitch, single and walk. Detroit rallied late but couldn’t overcome the add-on runs Rodriguez surrendered.