Tigers waiting on K-Rod’s arrival

While Tigers pitchers and catchers are two days into workouts, closer Francisco Rodriguez had yet to arrive as of Wednesday. That’s not a particular surprise, given last year.

Rodriguez didn’t arrive last Spring Training, his first as a Tiger, until Feb. 25. He began throwing in earnest in March and began his game work the second half of the month. He gave up three runs on Opening Day, then allowed three runs over his next 17 appearances combined. He also converted his next 19 save opportunities.

For that reason, manager Brad Ausmus was not fretting about Rodriguez when asked Wednesday. Ausmus said he checked in with Rodriguez, who told him he had been throwing in his native Venezuela.

“I don’t worry about Frankie at all,” Ausmus said. “This guy’s as professional as anyone in the game of baseball. Look at last year. When he gets here, his work ethic is unsurpassed and he’s all in.”

As of Wednesday morning, Rodriguez was supposedly en route.