In his rookie season, Rozema impressed with his control and poise on the mound. He finished the year with a 15-7 record and a 3.09 ERA, earning him a second-place finish in the American League Rookie of the Year voting. His performance helped solidify his place in the Tigers' starting rotation.
Rozema's sophomore season in 1978 saw him continue to pitch effectively, though he faced some challenges with injuries. Despite these setbacks, he managed to post a respectable 9-12 record with a 3.14 ERA. His ability to maintain a low ERA demonstrated his skill in limiting opposing teams' scoring opportunities.
The early 1980s were a period of ups and downs for Rozema. In 1979, he struggled with injuries that limited his playing time, resulting in a 4-4 record and a 3.96 ERA. However, he bounced back in 1980, contributing to the Tigers' pitching staff with a 7-6 record and a 3.70 ERA.
Rozema's career took a turn in 1982 when he suffered a significant knee injury during a bench-clearing brawl against the Minnesota Twins. This injury affected his performance and availability, leading to a decline in his on-field contributions. Despite this setback, Rozema remained with the Tigers, transitioning to a role in the bullpen.
In 1984, Rozema was part of the Detroit Tigers team that won the World Series. Although his role was primarily as a reliever, he contributed to the team's success with a 7-6 record and a 3.74 ERA during the regular season. His experience and presence in the bullpen provided depth to the Tigers' pitching staff.
Following the 1984 season, Rozema's time with the Tigers came to an end. He signed with the Texas Rangers in 1985, hoping to revitalize his career. However, his stint with the Rangers was short-lived, as he struggled to find his form, finishing the season with a 1-4 record and a 5.57 ERA.
Rozema's final MLB season came in 1986 with the Texas Rangers. He appeared in only a handful of games, posting a 0-3 record and a 6.53 ERA. After the season, Rozema retired from professional baseball, concluding a career that spanned a decade.
Throughout his career, Rozema was known for his control and ability to pitch effectively under pressure.
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