Tigers closer Francisco Rodriguez wrapped up Sunday’s 6-5 win over the Royals with a scoreless ninth inning. It’s save number 38 on the year for the veteran, but more importantly, it’s save number 424 of his 15-year career, tying him with John Franco for fourth on baseball’s all-time saves list.
The only closers ahead of Rodriguez now are Mariano Rivera (652), Trevor Hoffman (601), and Lee Smith (478).
This season, the 34-year-old is 38-for-42 in save chances with a 2.68 ERA and a 44/17 K/BB ratio in 50 1/3 innings. The Tigers will almost certainly pick up his $6 million club option for the 2017 season.
