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The Tigers have a secret weapon in the bullpen. This reliever has compiled some impressive numbers this season.
Left-handed batters have hit only .211 / .271 / .348 against him. Not Al Alburquerque, who has allowed a .260 / .330 / .453 slash line to lefties.
His strikeout rate against left-handed batters is 9.26 K/9, or 25%. Not Ian Krol, whose rate is 7.94 K/9, or 20%.
His ground ball rate is 57%, considering all batters all season. Not Blaine Hardy, his rate is 51%. Not Rick Porcello, who has fallen below 50%.
All batters have hit only .217 / .299 / .348 against him in the second half. Not Joba Chamberlain, who has allowed .292 / .392 / .452.
His average fastball is 94 mph. Not Joe Nathan, averaging 92 mph.
It is none other than Phil Coke. After a rough start to the season, he has been valuable lately.
Yes I cherry-picked the numbers. But would you rather see any other reliever facing a left-handed batter late in a game?