Joe Jiménez

Joe Alexander Jiménez (born January 17, 1995) is a Puerto Rican professional baseball pitcher for the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball (MLB).

This article is about the baseball player. For the golfer, see Joe Jimenez. For the businessman, see Joseph Jimenez.

Joe Jiménez
Jiménez with Detroit Tigers in 2018
Detroit Tigers – No. 77
Pitcher
Born: (1995-01-17) January 17, 1995
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Bats: Right Throws: Right
MLB debut
April 13, 2017, for the Detroit Tigers
MLB statistics
(through 2019 season)
Win–loss record9–13
Earned run average5.41
Strikeouts177
Saves12
Teams
Career highlights and awards
Medals
Men's baseball
Representing  Puerto Rico
World Baseball Classic
2017 Los AngelesNational team

Professional career

Minor Leagues (2013–2016)

Jiménez signed with the Detroit Tigers as an undrafted free agent out of the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy in June 2013. He made his professional debut that year with the Gulf Coast Tigers. He spent 2014 with the Connecticut Tigers and started 2015 with the West Michigan Whitecaps.[1][2] During the 2015 season, Jiménez went 5–1 with a 1.47 ERA, a 0.791 WHIP and 17 saves in 40 appearances for West Michigan, and was named the Tigers Minor League Pitcher of the Year.[3]

During the 2016 season, Jiménez pitched for the Lakeland Flying Tigers, Erie SeaWolves and the Toledo Mud Hens.[4][5] In July, he pitched in the All-Star Futures Game.[6] He had a 3–3 win-loss record with 30 saves, a 1.51 earned run average (ERA), 0.80 walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP), and a .144 batting average against with 78 strikeouts over 53 ​2⁄3 innings pitched. Jiménez was named the Tigers Minor League Pitcher of the Year.[7][8][9] Jiménez began the 2017 season with the Mud Hens.[10]

Detroit Tigers (2017–present)

2017

On April 10, 2017, the Detroit Tigers purchased Jiménez's contract, promoting him to the major league roster.[10] He made his Major League debut for the Tigers on April 13 in a game against the Minnesota Twins, pitching a scoreless ninth inning, while recording one strikeout. He was optioned back to the Mud Hens after the game.[11] Jiménez was called up again on July 31, 2017, after Justin Wilson was traded.[12] In 24 games, he had an ERA of 12.32 in 19 innings.

2018: All-Star season

Jiménez began the 2018 season in the Tigers bullpen, primarily filling a setup role. He earned his first major league save on June 2, pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays.[13] On July 8, 2018, Jiménez was selected to play in the 2018 All-Star Game, his first All-Star appearance. Through the All-Star break, Jiménez had a 2.72 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 13 holds, 3 saves, and 48 strikeouts in 43 innings.[14] Following the All-Star break, Jiménez had some struggles, posting a 7.78 ERA over the remainder of the season. He finished the season with a 5–4 record, 4.31 ERA, and 78 strikeouts in ​62 2⁄3 innings, while appearing in a team-high 68 games.

2019 season

In an up-and-down 2019 season, Jiménez assumed the closer role for the Tigers following the July 31 trade of Shane Greene to the Atlanta Braves.[15] He saved 9 games and posted a 4.37 ERA. Jiménez also struck out 82 batters in ​59 2⁄3 innings for a career-high 12.4/9 IP strikeout rate.

Personal life

Joe is the younger brother of former Texas Rangers catcher A. J. Jiménez.[16]

International career

World Baseball Classic

Jiménez played for the Puerto Rican national team in the 2017 World Baseball Classic where he won a silver medal.[17]

See also

References
  1. sHenning, Lynn (May 10, 2015). "Tigers prospect Jimenez flashes big fastball, talent". The Detroit News. Retrieved November 20, 2015.
  2. "Alcanza las 98 millas la recta de Joe Jiménez". El Nuevo Dia. Retrieved November 20, 2015.
  3. Iott, Chris (October 7, 2015). "Detroit Tigers prospects Michael Gerber, Joe Jimenez honored for play in 2015 season". MLive.com. Retrieved October 7, 2015.
  4. Sharp, Drew (August 3, 2016). "Sharp: Tigers, fans need to be patient with ace reliever Joe Jimenez". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved April 10, 2017.
  5. Woodbery, Evan (July 28, 2016). "Tigers prospect Joe Jimenez promoted to Triple-A Toledo". MLive.com. Retrieved April 10, 2017.
  6. Fenech, Anthony (July 10, 2016). "Detroit Tigers' Joe Jimenez showcases progress at Futures Game". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved April 10, 2017.
  7. Woodbery, Evan (September 24, 2016). "Joe Jimenez, Christin Stewart named Tigers' top minor league players". MLive.com. Retrieved September 24, 2016.
  8. Henning, Lynn (September 5, 2016). "Joe Jimenez needs more polish, won't join Tigers". The Detroit News. Retrieved April 10, 2017.
  9. Fenech, Anthony (October 29, 2016). "Tigers GM Al Avila: No rush to bring Joe Jimenez up from minors". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved April 10, 2017.
  10. Fenech, Anthony (April 10, 2017). "Detroit Tigers call up prized prospect Joe Jimenez". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved April 10, 2017.
  11. Fenech, Anthony (April 13, 2017). "Tigers fail to sweep as Zimmermann and Sanchez hit hard in 11-5 loss". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved April 13, 2017.
  12. "Tigers recall Joe Jimenez, John Hicks in wake of Monday morning trade". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved July 31, 2017.
  13. Rogacki, Rob (June 2, 2018). "Watch Joe Jimenez earn his first career save for the Tigers". BlessYouBoys.com. Retrieved June 5, 2018.
  14. "2018 MLB STATS AND LEADERS: AL, Regular Season, Pitching Relief, REL". FoxSports.com. Retrieved July 16, 2018.
  15. Bowman, Mark (July 31, 2019). "Braves bolster bullpen with Greene, Melancon". MLB.com. Retrieved July 31, 2019.
  16. https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2019/03/04/rain-cancels-detroit-tigers-open-tryout-a-j-jimenez-get-look/3053880002/
  17. Thornburg, Chad (February 8, 2017). "Young stars join Beltran, Yadi for Puerto Rico". MLB.com. Retrieved March 14, 2017.
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