Al Alburquerque & Bruce Rondon (RP, DET) - Waiver Wire Analysis

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ANALYSIS: Joakim Soria has been traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates and is out as the closer in Detroit. Enter Al Alburquerque and Bruce Rondon.

Alburquerque has been the setup man in Detroit and seems like the favorite to get the first crack at saves for the Tigers. He has close a to 9 K/9, but walks a ton of batters with a 4.57 BB/9 and also allows a fair share of homers (4 in 43 IP). We could see some blown saves from Alburquerque just as easily as a few saves.

Rondon has been dominant since returning from Triple-A, picking up 18 Ks in just 12 IP. He also has a high walk rate but has proven much better at home run prevention in his career than Alburquerque so those walks are less likely to hurt him.

Rondon is certainly the more dominant pitcher with his 97 MPH heater and nasty slider, but we still think he'll have to wait for an Alburquerque blow up or two in order to get a shot at closing duties for the Tigers.

For now, if you have room and are desperate for saves, the smart move would be to add both relievers.  If you are strapped for room and can only add one, go with Alburquerque.  We'll have a better indication of who Brad Ausmus will roll with as the Tigers closer after tonight's game vs. the Orioles.

UPDATE: Alex Wilson came in after Al Alberquerque during tonight's game, closing out the 8th inning. He then stayed in the 9th inning, and locked down the save. Based on tonight's game usage, it seems that Wilson is the guy to own for now in this bullpen for saves

You can see our full MLB closers & saves depth charts updated here, and follow further updates and waiver wire pickups/stashes as we continue through the trade deadline.