It was a two-run triple from Max Kepler as part of a four-run 6th inning in the Twin Cities that would ultimately do the Detroit Tigers in on Friday night, dropping a 4-2 decision at Target Field against the Minnesota Twins.
It was, however, a strong start for Matt Manning, who allowed only two hits along with three strikeouts. Manning was optioned to Triple-A Toledo after the game through the MLB All-Star break.
“There was going to be a gap before he started again,” manager AJ Hinch said. “This has nothing to do with him or this start. We’re going to control some workload here.”
“It was a step forward,” Hinch said. “Everything is new to him, everything is a first for him and the bar is pretty high here. We’ve raised expectations on everything with our young guys. His heart beat is settling in. He head is in a good place and he knows what he has to do to stay in the games and ultimately win games.”
“I don’t know the plan about about that,” Manning said about his outing. “Just taking it day-by-day.”
“I’m not sure. I’m still thinking about it right now,” he said of his demotion. “But it’s all good.”
“He doesn’t have to be superman tonight,” Hinch described prior to the game of Manning. “He needs to get outs and compete. Put one foot in front of the other and be a little better than he was last time. Eventually you will take off in a sprint and become the guy you’re going to become.”
– – Quotes via The Detroit News Link – –
