The Tigers jump on I-45 and pedal from Houston to Kansas City, where they take on the reigning kings of the division.
Shane Greene takes the mound for the Tigers against Yordano Ventura, who has been having control problems, which usually means trouble for Detroit. Greene has been solid, in both his start and relief appearance, and is starting the season with an impressive 0.857 WHIP.
Baseball Reference game preview.
Ian Kinsler has had a hot bat lately, and as Kevin pointed out, figures he might as well sell them too, teaming up with a Detroit music legend to do so. Here is the Rolling Stone version of the story. But don’t confuse Kinsler’s black bat with the Black Bat Licorice; Jack don’t like that stuff. This venture still can’t compete for Detroit musician/athlete collaborations with Lem Barney and Mel Farr with Marvin Gaye. A nice story here if you don’t mind a sidetrack from Tiger business: Marvin Gaye’s tryout with the NFL’s Detroit Lions.
Blaine Hardy returns from a left shoulder impingement (why does that term make me worry that I have a bunch of “impingements” of which I am not aware?). Logan Kensing was designated for assignment to make room for Hardy. The addition of Hardy, along with Wilson and Ryan, give the Tigers a bit of a lefty-heavy relief group.
Tonight’s Royal Pain of a Lineup:
- Kinsler, 2B
- Upton, LF
- Cabrera, 1B
- V Martinez, DH
- JD Martinez, LF
- Saltalamacchia, C
- Avails, 3B
- Gose, CF
- Iglesias, SS
Castellanos had another nice series at Houston, going 5-for-12, but takes the bench for Aviles tonight.
http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/tigers-cameron-maybin-receives-encouraging-test-results/
Apparently Cameron Maybin did not reinjure his wrist when he was hit the other day and should be resuming his rehab assignment soon. He did not appear in today’s Mud Hen’s game at Indy. Since the Hen’s don’t play at home again until Saturday, it is possible he may not play until then.
I’m hoping he’s called up soon. I want to see if he runs out ground balls any better than Anthony Gose!
I CAN NOT BELIEVE CASTY WILL SIT OUT THE GAME! SURLY BIG AL IS TAKING NOTES.
Back home after the three game series in Houston. I left immediately after game three and missed the rains. I didn’t see anything extraordinary from the Tigers the DTW regulars didn’t pick up. Was given a nice wave from Jim from the Tiger booth. Always good to see that duo.
Ok, whose bright idea was it to order Miguel Cabrera a golden sombrero for his birthday.
It looks like delivery may have been cancelled.
Jerrod Saltalamacchia…..you MLB RBI leader!
Shouldn’t cancel the sombrero, Miggy does have a hat trick of sorts tonight.
Big moment coming up shortly!!!
Hold on to your Stroh’s!
{sad trombone music}
6 left on base and a gift-wrapped golden sombrero, happy birthday Miggy
a positive from a game lacking many positives for DET: Jarrod Saltalamacchia is the first Tigers catcher in franchise history to hit 5 home runs within the club’s first 12 games of a season…and for the record, he didn’t play at all in 4 of the 12 games
Salty should get a day off tomorrow.
Miggy will start to hit. We’ll be fine.
Jose Altuve has 5 HRs.
2-11, 2-12, 3-14, 2-12…RISP just like last year will kill the Tigers. Brad has no clue about manufacturing runs. He was poor at it last year. He is bad at it this year..no bunts…no hit and runs…no steals…no moving the runners over…..strand 12 today!
Pen was fine again….
Amazing stat of the year so far.
Upton is on pace to strikeout between 280-300 times this year….amazing if it happens…