Los Angeles Angels (29-31) vs. Detroit Tigers (28-28)
First Pitch: 7:10 EST
Weather: 65°F • Mostly Cloudy • 1% PoP
Stadium: Comerica Park – Detroit, MI
Media: Fox Sports Detroit / 97.1 The Ticket
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Tigers Lineup:
- Ian Kinsler (2B)
- Alex Avila (C)
- Miguel Cabrera (1B)
- Victor Martinez (DH)
- J.D. Martinez (RF)
- Justin Upton (LF)
- Nicholas Castellanos (3B)
- Alex Presley (CF)
- Jose Iglesias (SS)
Pitching Matchup:
Jesse Chavez (4-6, 4.68 ERA) vs. Daniel Norris (2-3, 4.47 ERA)
What to Watch for:
Welcome back, Ian Kinsler! The Tigers activated their all-star second baseman prior to today's game; the team then optioned JaCoby Jones to Triple-A in a corresponding move. For a team that is battling to get back over the .500 mark, and is still right in the thick of things in the division, Kinsler is a welcomed sight. As far as other injury news, catcher James McCann began a rehab assignment in Triple-A today.
The Angels, on the other hand, have their best player Mike Trout out of the lineup for the next 6-8 weeks. Having the opportunity to face the Angels without Trout is a huge upside for the Tigers.
The absolute key for tonight though is Daniel Norris. In four of Norris' last five starts, he has failed to get out of the sixth inning and has given up 15 earned runs in those starts combined. He will need to be strong in order to save the bullpen for the remaining week.
Looking Back:
The Tigers earned their first sweep of the season on their first walk-off of the season. It was a great series for the Tigers all the way around. The pitching was fantastic — even though Justin Verlander could only pitch two innings due to a tight groin, the defense was superb, and the offense erased a minus-20 run differential with the White Sox in the first two games. The sweep extended the Tigers win streak to a season-high 4 games and brought their record back to an even .500.
Before You Watch:
https://detroitsportsnation.com/detroit-tigers-news/cpoposki/inside-the-numbers-tigers-loss-tracker-tells-the-tale-of-woe-in-may/93732/
https://detroitsportsnation.com/detroit-tigers-news/ddrysdale/watch-miguel-cabrera-stars-diesel-brothers-promo/93778/
