Francisco Rodriguez lost his job as the Detroit Tigers' closer earlier this month, but the struggling reliever may still get a few more chances in high-leverage situations.
Manager Brad Ausmus does not have newfound confidence in K-Rod, who has converted just seven of 12 save opportunities with a 7.79 ERA in 19 games and was replaced as closer by Justin Wilson. “I think we have to find out if he can pitch with the game on the line, quite frankly,” Ausmus told Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press.
Rodriguez failed in his most recent attempt Monday against the Royals, entering with a one-run lead before allowing a two-run homer to Eric Hosmer.
Fenech suggests Rodriquez needs to prove he can be more than a mop-up reliever, or his roster spot might be in jeopardy.
“His impact on the bullpen is so big off the field, and his track record so lengthy on it, that the Tigers will make absolutely sure he cannot be counted on in any situation before cutting him loose,” Fenech writes.
The 35-year-old Rodriguez, who has 437 career saves, will make $6 million in 2017 before entering free agency, so cutting him loose would not involve a huge financial hit.
-- Doug Mittler
