The Tigers on Wednesday acquired veteran closer Francisco Rodriguez from the Brewers. The teams announced the deal later in the afternoon.Rodriguez, 33, is coming off a 2015 season in which he pitched to a 2.21 ERA and 5.64 K/BB ratio for Milwaukee. For his career, he boasts an ERA+ of 156 and 386 saves across parts of 14 big-league seasons. Those 386 saves rank seventh on the all-time list and first among actives. Over the course of his career, K-Rod has converted 86 percent of his save opportunities. 
In recent seasons, the Tigers have struggled with late-inning relief. Joakim Soria was effective in the role this past season before being traded to the Pirates, but Detroit has cycled through a number of closers -- most of them ineffective -- in recent years. As for Rodriguez, he occasionally struggles with the long-ball, but in going from Milwaukee to Detroit he'll be swapping out one of the most homer-friendly ballparks for one that suppresses the home run to a modest extent.Rodriguez is under for contract for 2016 at a salary of $5.5 million. His contract also includes a $6 million option/$4 million buyout for 2017.Heyman reports that the Tigers will absorb money left on Rodriguez's contract through 2016.Minor-league infielder Javier Betancourt is headed to the Brewers as part of the trade. Betancourt, 20, owns a line of .281/.323/.364 in 338 minor-league games. Defensively, he's spent time at second, short, and third. Last season, he reached the High-A level. The Brewers will also receive a player to be named later in the deal.Dayn Perry/CBS Sports
In recent seasons, the Tigers have struggled with late-inning relief. Joakim Soria was effective in the role this past season before being traded to the Pirates, but Detroit has cycled through a number of closers -- most of them ineffective -- in recent years. As for Rodriguez, he occasionally struggles with the long-ball, but in going from Milwaukee to Detroit he'll be swapping out one of the most homer-friendly ballparks for one that suppresses the home run to a modest extent.Rodriguez is under for contract for 2016 at a salary of $5.5 million. His contract also includes a $6 million option/$4 million buyout for 2017.Heyman reports that the Tigers will absorb money left on Rodriguez's contract through 2016.Minor-league infielder Javier Betancourt is headed to the Brewers as part of the trade. Betancourt, 20, owns a line of .281/.323/.364 in 338 minor-league games. Defensively, he's spent time at second, short, and third. Last season, he reached the High-A level. The Brewers will also receive a player to be named later in the deal.Dayn Perry/CBS Sports
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