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Detroit Tigers: Predicting the Opening Day Roster for 2017

By Matt Snyder

Apr 8, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers manager Brad Ausmus (7) is introduced prior to the game against the New York Yankees at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers manager Brad Ausmus (7) is introduced prior to the game against the New York Yankees at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Francisco Rodriguez (57) throws against the Cleveland Indians in the eighth inning at Progressive Field. The Tigers won 9-5. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Francisco Rodriguez (57) throws against the Cleveland Indians in the eighth inning at Progressive Field. The Tigers won 9-5. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Returning Bullpen Pitchers

The Tigers were (once again) in the bottom third of the league in bullpen ERA in 2016. That being said, they had some reasonable pitchers who could once again be in the mix in 2017.

Francisco Rodriguez

Justin Wilson

Alex Wilson

Bruce Rondon

Shane Greene

Kyle Ryan

——

Sanchez / Pelfrey / Mark Lowe

The group above the dashes weren’t perfect in 2016 (by any means) but they all did enough to warrant inclusion in a future bullpen. That could change if Al Avila is given more money to work with, but that doesn’t appear likely at the moment.

That is, in large part, because of the three below the dashes. The Tigers might have room to take one of Pelfrey, Sanchez, or Lowe as the last man in the bullpen, but this is basically $30 million of dead money.

Wise offseason maneuvering by Avila would be to find takers for any of these three while recouping even a very few million dollars.

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