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Detroit Tigers: 5 Prospects to Keep an Eye on

By Griffin Fabits

Jun 25, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; General view during the sixth inning of the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Indians at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; General view during the sixth inning of the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Indians at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Joe Jimenez

Joe Jimenez is the future of the Tigers’ bullpen. But, for now at least, Jimenez is playing the role of the lock-down closer for the Double-A Erie Sea Wolves.

On June 24, 2013, the Tigers signed Jimenez to a minor league contract and assigned him to the club’s Gulf Coast League team, otherwise known as rookie ball.

With the GCL Tigers, Jimenez appeared in eight games and breezed through 18 innings. He only allowed nine hits and gave up just one earned run. He fanned 24 batters and puzzled opponents with a .155 batting average. It was safe to say that Jimenez made a name for himself.

One year later and Jimenez was doing similar things with the Connecticut Tigers in the New York-Penn League. In 26.2 innings pitched, Jimenez allowed eight earned runs in 23 games pitched. His command improved (2.03 BB/9) and he struck out 13.94 batters per nine innings.

With the West Michigan Whitecaps in ’15, Jimenez dazzled again. Over 43 innings, he only surrendered seven earned runs, which lowered his ERA to 1.47. Batters hit just .153 against him and he converted 17 saves in 20 attempts.

To start off the 2016 campaign, Jimenez was assigned to the Lakeland Flying Tigers, the advanced Single-A affiliate. He made quick work while in Lakeland and did not allow an earned run in 17.1 innings pitched. His K/9 rate improved to 14.54 and he was a perfect 10/10 for save opportunities. To no one’s surprise, he continued to climb the ladder of theTigers’ minor league system.

On May 27, Jimenez was promoted to Double-A Erie. With the Sea Wolves, he’s 3-0 with a 0.75 ERA and has finally given up an earned run, halting his scoreless streak at 26.1 innings. In 12 innings so far, he’s walked three batters and punched out 23, averaging 17.25 K/9.

But, like Burrows, Jimenez lacks big-league secondary pitches. His mid-90’s fastball has already been established, but now he continues to develop pitches like a slider and change-up.

No matter what league he’s pitching in or the uniform he’s wearing, Joe Jimenez has been absolutely incredible in his short minor league career.

The Tigers don’t want to rush their eighth overall prospect, but when he’s major league ready, he will definitely make an impact at the back end of the bullpen.

Next: Derek Hill

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