Series Preview: The Tigers are southbound for a 3-game set with Tampa Bay

DETROIT TIGERS (8-4) vs. TAMPA BAY RAYS (6-7)

Game 1 – Michael Fulmer (2-0, 2.25 ERA, 11K) vs. Matt Andriese (0-0, 4.50 ERA, 9K)

Tuesday, April 18 @ 7:10 p.m. ET

MLB: Detroit Tigers at Cleveland Indians — Sep 16, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Michael Fulmer (32) reacts after being called for a balk during the third inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Fulmer seems to be settling into his sophomore season in sensational fashion. He brings a perfect 2-0 record to Florida to battle a team that he pitched very well against last year.

The Rays will send Matt Andriese to the mound. He has found moderate success this season so far. His low 90s 4-seam fastball could give the Tigers some trouble.

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Game 2 – Jordan Zimmermann (1-1, 5.06 ERA, 6K) vs. Chris Archer (2-0, 2.21 ERA, 18K)

Wednesday, April 19 @ 7:10 p.m. ET

MLB: Boston Red Sox at Detroit Tigers — Apr 8, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann (27) warms up prior to the game against the Boston Red Sox at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

After an opening win, Zimmermann regressed in his second start. I’m going to chalk that up to an anomaly. Look for Z to get it back under control in this game.

Chris Archer is off to a torrid start this year. In my opinion, he is one of the best pitchers that the Tigers have faced so far this young season. With some fan confidence slipping already about Zimmermann, the Tigers will need to be spectacular at the plate in this game.

Game 3 – Daniel Norris (1-0, 2.19 ERA, 7K) vs. TBD

Thursday, April 20 @ 1:10 p.m. ET

Daniel Norris has been outstanding so far this season. The Tigers had moderate expectations for the bottom end of the rotation. Norris has met those and then some.

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PREDICTION

I was wrong in my prediction for the last series against Cleveland. I expected the Tigers to only squeak out one win against the Tribe over the weekend. Detroit was actually able to win two games and gain another series victory. Those are important wins against a division rival.

After playing eleven days in a row, Detroit got a much needed day off on Monday. I’m expecting Cabrera (who left Sunday’s game against Cleveland with back tightness) to get some extra rest during this midweek series in Florida. Victor Martinez may get some time off as well. Even while resting those big bats, the Tigers should be able to grab two wins against Tampa Bay and win another series before heading to Minnesota.