At this time last year, former West Michigan Whitecaps pitcher Bruce Rondon was trying to win the Detroit Tigers’ closer job. Things didn’t work out as he hoped, and after the Tigers gave Joe Nathan to a two-year deal this offseason to be their closer, Rondon worked toward becoming the team’s set-up man.

Now comes word that Rondon needs Tommy John surgery and will miss the 2014 season.

What a difference a year can make.

Rondon went 2-2 with a 2.02 ERA, 19 saves and 61 strikeouts in 40 IP for the 2011 Whitecaps.

Tigers prospect Bruce Rondon on the mound for the Whitecaps at Lansing’s Cooley Law School Stadium in 2011. (Photo by Craig Wieczorkiewicz/The Midwest League Traveler)

Sanchez’s scoreless streak continues

Top Toronto Blue Jays prospect Aaron Sanchez has been impressive this spring. He pitched 5 1/3 innings scoreless innings Friday, extending his Spring Training scoreless streak to 12 1/3 innings in four appearances.

That comes after an equally impressive showing in the Arizona Fall League last year, when he posted a 1.16 ERA while striking out 21 batters in 23 1/3 innings.

Sanchez went 8-5 with a 2.49 ERA and 97 strikeouts in 90.1 IP for the 2012 Lansing Lugnuts.

Blue Jays prospect Aaron Sanchez delivers a pitch for the Lugnuts. (Photo by Craig Wieczorkiewicz/The Midwest League Traveler)

Romine traded to Tigers

The Los Angeles Angels traded infielder Andrew Romine to the Detroit Tigers for LHP Jose Alvarez.

Romine batted .260 with 2 HR, 34 RBI and 62 SB in 126 games with the 2008 Cedar Rapids Kernels.