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Tribune News Service
Tribune News Service
Sport
Anthony Fenech

Justin Wilson replaces Francisco Rodriguez as Tigers closer

PHOENIX _ Francisco Rodriguez is out as the Detroit Tigers closer, manager Brad Ausmus said Tuesday.

Justin Wilson will take over the role.

Wilson, a left-hander, has been by far the best reliever this season for the Tigers. He has allowed two runs and four hits in 132/3 innings this season, with four walks and 22 strikeouts.

Ausmus has been uber-protective with Wilson throughout the first month of the season, not overworking him like he was forced to do when Mark Lowe struggled last season, which resulted in a bum arm down the stretch.

Rodriguez has allowed a run in eight of 13 appearances, with an 8.49 ERA in 112/3 innings.

Rodriguez, who ranks fourth in career saves with 437, blew saves in each of the past two games, both losses to the Oakland Athletics. He has blown saves four times in 11 tries this season.

Rodriguez allowed a walk-off, two-run home run to Ryon Healy as the Tigers lost, 8-6, on Sunday at the Oakland Coliseum.

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