The Tigers have been a small surprise by many who follow MLB with an 18-14 record after Friday’s game against the New York Yankees. Equally surprising is four of the five AL Central teams are above .500 with only the dreadful Chicago White Sox well below the rest of the teams in the division. Minnesota has won 11 games in a row after starting the season 7-13. Detroit has had several players start out hot and a few more that wish they could start the season again.
Who’s Hot
Homerun- Tarik Skubal– The Tigers ACE is 4-0 with a 1.72 ERA and has for the first time since Justin Verlander, become must see TV. Skubal has been lights out thus far this season. He has struck out 41 hitters in 36.2 innings pitched and has four quality starts. Skubal is a huge reason why Detroit has not had any long losing streaks after one month of the season.
Who’s Hot
Triple- Riley Green is once again hot for Detroit and while his .274 batting average does not stand out, his power numbers and all around game does. When Greene gets on base, he is scoring a lot of runs. Twenty-five through 32 games. He has Seven homeruns and 15 RBI’s. He has played lights out defense. His .399 OBP and 930 OPS are excellent. If Greene stays healthy, the Tigers will be an exciting team to watch in 2024
Who’s Hot
Double- Reese Olson has pitched well this season in spite of both poor support from hitters and relievers coughing up leads after he leaves ball games. Olson has yet to win a game this season in spite of totaling two quality starts and 31 strikeouts in 33.1 innings pitched. He has had high pitch counts in games and has not pitched deep into ballgames.
Who’s Not
Spencer Torkelson – Big things were expected from Torkelson after significantly improving his power numbers in 2023. Torkelson hit 31 round trippers and 94 RBI’s but hitting only .233 to go along with a .220 career average were concerning. His start this season with no homeruns and 11 RBI’s has been head scratching. MLB.Com did a poll of the most disappointing players after the first month and Torkelson was the second most player listed after Jose Abreu.
“It’s hard not to go with José Abreu, but I’d say at 24 years old, Spencer Torkelson’s start is much more concerning,” another AL exec said. “He’s looking like a DH, and his impact has been nonexistent so far.”
Who’s Not
Parker Meadows. When you are hitting .100 and are still in a MLB lineup, it is time to make a decision. The Tigers brass has to mulling just that. Sit Meadow, demote him or release him. Right now, he is starting. Hmm! Meadows has hit two homeruns and has three RBI’s for the season. He has struck out 30 times through May fourth. He is the opposite of Must See TV. His at bats are a good time to run to the fridge and crack open a beer.
Down on the Farm
Jackson Jobe was lights out for the Erie Seawolves. He has 24 strikeouts in 16.2 innings and his nasty pitches are showing the Tigers brass that he is getting close to a MLB callup. A note: He was just placed on the DL. This is a seven day designation. He could be back pitching by the middle of May.
Players I hope to write about for June. Spencer Torkelson, Mark Canha, Javy Baez, and Casey Mize. Plus the players listed above. Check out www.skyviewsports for all things Tigers and Much, Much, More at www.skyviewsports.net