Francisco Rodriguez Released by Tigers After 2 Seasons with Team

As the Detroit Tigers seek help for their struggling bullpen, veteran reliever Francisco Rodriguez has been released by the team. 

The Tigers announced Rodriguez's release on Friday. 

Rodriguez started the 2017 season as Detroit's closer after saving 44 games with a 3.24 ERA last season. The 35-year-old was unable to duplicate that effort, posting a 7.82 ERA in 28 games before his release. 

Detroit manager Brad Ausmus removed Rodriguez from the closer's role on May 9 after blowing four saves in 11 chances. The Tigers' bullpen ERA of 5.19 this season ranks 29th in Major League Baseball, just ahead of the Minnesota Twins at 5.20. 

The Tigers enter play Friday in last place in the American League Central with a 32-40 record, 7.5 games behind the Cleveland Indians.