Rodney will begin the new season as Detroit's closer after Todd Jones was forced to start the year on the disabled list with a hamstring injury. Rodney worked ninth innings for Detroit in August and September last season, and he finished the year with a 2-3 record, nine saves and a 2.86 ERA. He saved nine of 13 chances over the final two months of 2005.
(Updated 4/3/2006)

Analysis: How long Jones will be sidelined is uncertain. He can't straighten out his leg at this point, but he's hoping to be ready when he can come off the DL in two weeks.