Detroit Tigers 2021 season grades for the team’s bullpen
By Tyler Kotila
Detroit Tigers 2021 season grades for the team’s “two closers.”
Gregory Soto: A-
The Detroit Tigers handed off the closing duties to Gregory Soto to start 2021. Things did not go the smoothest all year, but Soto did finish the year with 18 saves. His ERA took a step in the right direction, and overall he looked good on the mound.
He could still clean up some things, but the flame-throwing left-hander looked good for the Tigers. He deserved an A- in my book, given that he looked like a closer this year or at least looks like he can be a long-term solution for the Tigers bullpen.
Michael Fulmer: A
It’s hard not to like Detroit Tigers reliever Michael Fulmer‘s 2021 season. He was able to find a new role with the Tigers, coming out of the bullpen, and it worked. Over 69.2 innings of work, Fulmer would make only four starts. He even had 14 saves on the year while pitching to a 2.97 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP.
Seeing Fulmer be able to find some footing in the Tigers bullpen is clutch for the future. Going into 2022, it will be nice to know that Fulmer can be a solid option out of the bullpen for manager A.J. Hinch. Fulmer was solid in 2021 and more than deserving of an A for his season grade.