PHOENIX -- The Tigers are in a down period heading into a four-game series against the Angels in Anaheim on Thursday night.
They are 16-16 after a 7-1 loss to the D-backs on Wednesday night, splitting a two-game Interleague series at Chase Field. But overall, they've lost three of four on this road trip, and have already benched closer Francisco Rodriguez for blowing two saves in Oakland this past weekend.
It's not the best of times, noted manager Brad Ausmus, who is in the last year of his contract. But he believes there are better times immediately ahead.