Acquire Tigers’ LHP Justin Wilson
Justin Wilson has been an emerging star for the Tigers this season. After replacing Fernando Rodriguez as the closer, the hard-throwing lefty has excelled greatly, posting a 2.82 ERA this season.
Since Robby Scott, Fernando Abad, and Robbie Ross have all struggled this season, it would be important for Dombrowski to find a consistent left-handed pitcher. Since John Farrell is an advocate for using L/R match ups, Justin Wilson would provide him with another weapon in a successful bullpen. Not only would Wilson be an upgrade in that single category, but he would greatly upgrade the back-end of the bullpen.
Brandon Workman has proved to be a viable weapon, but he still needs work. Matt Barnes has been inconsistent, Joe Kelly is unproven, and Carson Smith is still out for a few more weeks. These relievers still leave the Red Sox with a few question marks towards the end of a game.
When October rolls around, it always seems that the teams that have a dominant bullpen have great success. The Kansas City Royals showed that in 2014 with their tandem of Kelvin Herrera, Wade Davis, and Greg Holland. Similarly, the Indians last season with Cody Allen, Andrew Miller, and Bryan Shaw. There is no greater weapon than shortening the game and Wilson would certainly help that cause.
Five outs to close the game? Enter Justin Wilson. https://t.co/nX17iz8wmy
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) July 10, 2017