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Tigers’ Francisco Rodriguez unhappy with his role

By Brad Berreman

Jun 8, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Francisco Rodriguez (57) pitches in the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 8, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Francisco Rodriguez (57) pitches in the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Francisco Rodriguez was taken out of the closer role for the Tigers a month ago, and he’s not thrilled with his usage right now.

Francisco Rodriguez is MLB’s active leader in saves (and fourth all-time) with 437, including a single-season record 62 saves for the Los Angeles Angels in 2008. But a rough start this season led to him being taken out of the closer role by Detroit Tigers’ manager Brad Ausmus, and Justin Wilson stepped in.

On Tuesday, Rodriguez vented frustration over his role to Chris McCosky of The Detroit News.

"They have to test me?” he said, incredulously. “They have to find out if I can pitch? That’s exactly what it means. I’ve never been in a mop-up situation. I haven’t pitched the last 15 years, being consistent, putting up numbers being mop-up. That’s not how I’ve made my living."

"“I made my living in tough, pressure situations. I have not made my living being a mop-up guy.”"

Rodriguez also suggested a lack of communication over his role, and after he worked the seventh inning in a tie game Tuesday night Ausmus responded

"“I’ve been saying for a week and a half now that I’d like to get him in higher-leverage situations,” Ausmus said. “We’re a lot better team when he’s pitching in those situations successfully.”"

After posting an 8.49 ERA and 2.06 WHIP over his first 13 appearances this year, including four blown saves, Rodriguez has lowered his ERA to 6.23 and his WHIP to 1.57 over the last month. He has not allowed a run in five June outings, with only two runs allowed over his last eight outings (7.1 innings).

The Tigers are only four games out in the AL Central, but they are the worst combination of aging, expensive and mediocre (30-33 heading into Wednesday) right now. They may move into sell-mode soon, and Rodriguez could be a trade target for contenders seeking bullpen help. He’s making a reasonable $6 million this year, in the final year of his contract, and there’s always a premium on pitching at the trade deadline.

Next: MLB trade rumors: Each team's best trade chip

If Rodriguez continues to pitch well, and perhaps works his way back into the ninth inning soon, the Tigers may get a trade offer they can’t refuse. The Washington Nationals are clearly in the market for a reliever, and general manager Mike Rizzo is likely to give up assets in win-now mode.

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