On March 21, 2014, it was announced that Detroit Tigers right-handed reliever Bruce Rondon needed Tommy John surgery and would miss the entire 2014 season. Just a few days later, he was placed on the 60-day disabled list.
However, he is finally recovered an ready for spring training. The 24-year-old is expected to play a huge role for Detroit this season, as general manager Dave Dombrowski told MLive.com.
As a rookie, Rondon went 1-2 with a 3.45 ERA. He struck out an outstanding 30 hitters over 28.2 innings. In the 2013 campaign, he held a 1.360 WHIP, but he should be able to improve on that in 2015. During 2014 spring training, he made seven appearances and owned a 1.29 ERA.
Rondon will be companioned with Joakim Soria as the team's options to setup closer Joe Nathan.
Many questions are still needed to be answered and it is not certain if the Tigers are clear division favorites anymore.
"I hope the vast majority say the [Kansas City] Royals or the [Cleveland] Indians or the [Chicago] White Sox," Ausmus said last month to Chris Iott of MLive.com. "I'll lay in the weeds with this team any day of the week."