BIG BOPPERS
The Tigers feasted on Twins pitching in Minneapolis early in the week, which explains the inflation in a lot of the batting averages.
Take Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martínez for example. They combined to hit .422 (19 for 45) last week with nine extra-base-hits and six runs batted in. But that also includes a 5-for-19 weekend against the Halos with only one XBH. This team goes as they go, even more so when they are in sync.
Cameron Maybin had a successful return to the lineup last week, hitting .389 (7×18) with three XBH and five RBI. James McCann of the two catchers got the bulk of the playing time behind the dish and did very well, going 6 for 18 that included his first career four-hit game on Thursday. And it was another encouraging week for Justin Upton, going 7 for 22 with four XBH, five steaks and probably the most encouraging stat, a team-high four base on balls.
It’s still a small sample for Upton and his recent stretch of 11 for 30 but it’s a a breathe of fresh air again after manager Brad Ausmus gave him basically three days off from the starting lineup a couple weeks ago against the Red Sox.
