In a rematch between the participants of the 2013 American League Championship Series, the Detroit Tigers welcome the Boston Red Sox to Motown for a three-game series beginning on Friday.
After starting the season at an MLB-best 27-12, the division-leading Detroit Tigers have lost 13 of 17 (including five straight), shrinking their lead in the AL Central to 2.5 games over the Chicago White Sox.
Boston can't seem to find a consistent identity either, losing ten straight, then winning seven straight, followed by losing their last three. All this adds up to a nine-game deficit for the Sox in the AL East.
Snapshot:
Home: Detroit Tigers
Record: (31-25, 14-14 home, 1st AL Central)
Away: Boston Red Sox
Record: (27-32, 12-14 road, 2nd AL East)
Season Series: Detroit Tigers, 3-0
Key stat:
Tigers closer Joe Nathan has the second-worst ERA (6.86) of any MLB pitcher with 20 or more innings pitched in 2014. Toronto's Esmil Rogers (6.97) has the worst.
Tigers outlook:
During his time in Minnesota, Joe Nathan pulled himself out of the team's closing role when he felt it was necessary for the team's success.
"I've taken myself out of closer's roles, myself, when I was with Minnesota," Nathan recalled, via James Schmehl of MLive.com. "I told (Twins manager Ron Gardenhire), it's time. Take me out of this role, at least for now, and let me figure some stuff out and not kill the ballclub."
However, even with his ERA approaching seven in 2014, Nathan doesn't feel like it's time to step back for the Tigers just yet.
"I'm throwing the ball way too well," he said, optimistic that his mechanics will lead to better results as the season progresses.
Red Sox outlook:
Maybe the rules do apply to everyone.
Despite not facing a suspension for drilling David Ortiz in the back with a 94-mph fastball last Friday, Tampa Rays ace David Price was fined an undisclosed amount on Wednesday, per Nick Carfardo of the Boston Globe.
“First at-bat of the season against him, he drilled me,” Ortiz said after Friday's 3-2 Boston win, via Boston.com. “That’s means it’s a war. It’s on. Next time he hits me, he better bring the gloves on. I have no respect for him no more."
The cost of "war" for Price? Just a hit to his wallet - at least until Big Papi has a say.
What to watch for:
On Saturday, Jon Lester (6-6, 3.15) attempts to build off a stellar outing against the Rays, as he opposes Tigers ace Max Scherzer (6-2, 3.20) on Saturday at 7:15PM EST.
Lester threw seven brilliant innings of four-hit baseball on Sunday, walking just one while striking out 12 Tampa hitters en route to a 4-0 victory.
What they are saying about the Tigers:
Justin Verlander remains upbeat but Tigers performance speaks for itself (Detroit News)
Tigers land righty Turnbull with 63rd pick (Official Site of the Tigers)
What they are saying about the Red Sox:
Red Sox searching for stability (Boston Herald)
Should Brock Holt end up in the Red Sox outfield? (Over the Monster)
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