Detroit Tigers release former closer Francisco Rodriguez

The Detroit Tigers announced the release of former closer Francisco Rodriguez on Friday afternoon.

The Detroit Tigers could put up with struggling reliever Francisco Rodriguez no more. The club announced that the veteran had been released on Friday afternoon.

Rodriguez began the season as the team’s closer but was replaced by Justin Wilson after he stumbled out of the gate. The Tigers hoped he’d find himself in middle relief and eventually work his way back to high-leverage situations, but his struggles never faded.

Rodriguez made 28 appearances for the Tigers this season and allowed nine home runs en route to a 7.82 ERA. His strikeout and walk rates were commensurate with his career norms but he couldn’t keep fly balls on the right side of the fence.

Rodriguez had his struggles to begin the 2016 season as well but eventually calmed down and managed to save 44 ballgames with a 3.28 ERA. He probably had some decent trade value in the offseason when the Tigers flirted with trading some of their big-name players — ‘proven’ closers are always coveted by someone — but his struggles forced the club into cutting him after less than half a season.

Bruce Rondon will return to the major league club to take his place on the roster. The big fire baller has posted a 3.04 ERA in 26 innings for the Toledo Mud Hens this season while averaging 11 strikeouts per nine innings. The Tigers need him to find the promise he held as a top relief prospect.

Next: Detroit Tigers all-time 25-man roster

The Tigers are in San Diego to take on the Padres for a three-game series this weekend. They’ll return home to Comerica Park to take on the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night.