Chicago – Nine days ago the Tigers were 9-5 and, in a season shortened to 60 games with expanded playoffs, the possibility of a postseason berth seemed optimistic but legitimate.
Man how things have changed. A season-ending knee injury to clean-up hitter and first baseman C.J. Cron was the first ominous sign. Manager Ron Gardenhire had to reconfigure both his infield and his batting order.
Then pitchers Buck Farmer and Ivan Nova went on the injured list, causing ripple effects in both the bullpen and rotation.
Holes are being filled by prospects, players who haven’t competed above Double-A ball.