MLB playoffs 2016: 3 reasons the Tigers will make it

Jun 7, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler (3) celebrates after hitting a game winning RBI single in the 10th inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Comerica Park. Detroit won 3-2 in ten innings. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

3 of 4

Jul 18, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Francisco Rodriguez (57) pitches in the ninth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Detroit won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

K-Rod is in the House

Once cursed by two seasons of Joe Nathan’s inability to fine tune his game, and four years of the Jose Valverde implosion, the Detroit Tigers finally have a proven closer who can shut the door in the ninth.

Acquired via trade with the Milwaukee Brewers last November, the six-time all-star brings his career 2.69 earned-run-average to Comerica Park. He has been tasked with the job of making the bullpen a position of strength again.

K-Rod closes out Twins. #Tigers win in Minny 4-2, knocking #Orioles out of 2nd AL WC spot. They are officially the hunters, not the hunted.
— Eduardo A. Encina (@EddieInTheYard) September 23, 2016

Last year, the Tigers finished twenty-seventh in bullpen ERA, but this year Frankie-Rod is boasting a 2.59 ERA with 43 saves converted on 47 opportunities. In just under 56 innings of work he’s struck out 47 batters while allowing a very impressive .207 batting average.

Rodriguez has given Detroit fans something they haven’t had since closer Todd Jones took the mound. Hope in the ninth inning. He has the ability to control the tempo of the game and the confidence to make the guy at the plate whiff.

For the first time in ten years, the Tigers organization has a man that can win the big game, even when the odds say otherwise.

Next: The Best Clutch Hitter in the Game

Home/MLB