Detroit Tigers manager AJ Hinch isn't known for intentional walks.
There were 5,995 plate appearances against the Houston Astros in 2019, and Hinch — the Astros' manager from 2015-19 — didn't issue a single intentional walk. For the Tigers in 2021, he entered Tuesday's series opener with the Los Angeles Angels at six intentional walks.
The seventh came in the sixth inning of Tuesday's 8-2 loss at Comerica Park, giving two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani a free pass with two outs. The walk put runners on first and second. The next batter, David Fletcher, struck out swinging at a slider from Joe Jimenez to end the threat.