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How much of an impact will Bruce Rondon have on the Detroit Tigers bullpen?
Christian Post Report – The biggest question mark about the 2015 Detroit Tigers is the bullpen. Now that manager Brad Ausmus has stared that Joe Nathan will be the closer, at least to start the season, one of those mysterious has been put to bed. Now the team must decide what to do with Bruce Rondon, who is one year removed from Tommy John surgery and still trying to battle his way onto the big league roster.
Rondon has been in the team’s plans for a number of years now. Two years ago he was named the closer in the off season only to not make the team out of spring training. Now the team is discussing whether or not he would benefit from starting the season with the Triple A Toledo Mudhens while he works on his control. The strength is there, but Rondon is not fooling anyone in spring training and may need some time to get sharp again.
“To be fair to Rondon, the reason he has struggled this spring could very well be due to the surgery he underwent in March 2014. His velocity was surprisingly strong right from the start this spring. But velocity doesn’t guarantee anyone success on the mound or even a spot on the roster,” Chris Lott wrote for MLive.
The Tigers do have options. If they decide Rondon needs more time they can come north with Angel Nesbitt, Joba Chamberlain, Al Albuquerque as their right handers with Nathan as the closer and Joakim Soria as the set up man. That would leave room for two lefties. Tom Gorzelanny has likely tied up one of those spots leaving the team to decide between Ian Krol, Blaine Hardy, and Kyle Ryan.
The Tigers spent the off season bringing in bullpen arms and it looks like that was a wise move.
Source : Christian Post