Tigers Send Bruce Rondon Down to Toledo

The Tigers have sent right hand reliever Bruce Rondon to the Toledo Mud Hens and called up rookie Joe Jimenez.

The 26 year old Rondon blew the lead on Friday and again on Sunday.   The Tigers and fans were wondering about Rondon during spring training, when at times he didn’t seem to be giving it his all.  He supposedly told management that he didn’t want to show the opposition his best stuff in games that didn’t count.  Well…..now they count.

GM Al Avila told Mlive.com that they felt Rondon needed to get in more work to be ready.

"We just felt that Bruce needed more time to get ready for the season.  He's got to command the fastball, and right now he hasn't shown that to us early on. He needs to get in better shape and lose a little weight. The velocity's really not the issue here."

Jimenez is only 22 years old, but has pitched well in the Tigers’ minor league system. He’s a hard throwing righty, like Rondon.  He has a good change-up, and is working on a slider.

Rondon was the best guy in the  bullpen down the stretch last season, but has been a source of frustration for the Tigers and their fans since he first came up in 2013.