BOSTON -- When the Detroit Tigers took a one-run lead in the top of the ninth inning on a home run by Miguel Cabrera, it was strange not to see Francisco Rodriguez quickly pop out of his seat, take off his sunglasses and start loosening up.

Justin Wilson was in K-Rod's usual role on Wednesday and, upon closer inspection of the bullpen, Rodriguez was nowhere to be seen.

Tigers manager Brad Ausmus revealed after the game that Rodriguez wasn't at the park, but had left after Tuesday's game to tend to a personal matter.

That absence, combined with an already taxed bullpen, made it imperative that Michael Fulmer go deep into the game, reliever Bruce Rondon deliver in a high-pressure situation and Wilson lock down his first career save.

All three pitchers did their jobs, helping the Tigers beat the Boston Red Sox 4-3 and sweep a three-game series at Fenway Park.

"We were a little bit strapped in the bullpen, so he did a nice job getting to where he did," manager Brad Ausmus said of Fulmer, who made it to the eighth before being chased by Mookie Betts' game-tying triple. "I was hoping he would get Betts, one last guy. Unfortunately it didn't work out, but Miggy came up huge in the top of the ninth."

Then it was up to Wilson to close it. A lefty, Wilson struck out Xander Bogaerts, a right-handed hitter, to begin the ninth. Then he got left-handers David Ortiz and Jackie Bradley Jr. to fly out to end the game.

"I wouldn't have gotten the opportunity without Miggy hitting that oppo homer," Wilson said. "It's a pretty special moment."

Wilson knew in advance that he would be the top option in a save situation. Shane Greene had pitched in seven of the last 11 days and Ausmus wanted to avoid using him Wednesday.

That left Rondon as the bridge to Wilson in the ninth.

Rondon entered after Betts chased Fulmer with the triple. He retired Dustin Pedroia, the only batter he faced, on strikes. Rondon got the win for his one out, a nice cap to a series in which he struck out three of the four Red Sox he faced.

Ausmus said Rodriguez will be back with the club on Friday and the bullpen will be fully rested when the Tigers open a three-game series at Comerica Park against the Houston Astros.

The Astros are just ahead of the Tigers in the Wild Card race. The Tigers are 3 1/2 games behind the Red Sox, who fell to the second Wild Card spot after being swept this week.

"We definitely needed these three wins and I'm happy we got them," Fulmer said.