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Detroit Tigers' Niko Goodrum cleaning up early: 'He's a strong young man'

Roar restored! Free Press sports writer Anthony Fenech breaks down the Tigers’ Opening Day at Comerica Park win over the Royals, 5-4, April 4, 2019. Anthony Fenech, Detroit Free Press

Niko Goodrum, a week into the season, has translated his strong spring training performance into ranking among baseball’s leaders in doubles.

Not that the Royals cared much in the bottom of the fifth inning on Thursday afternoon: With two outs, they were going to take their chances with the still-unproven Goodrum over Miguel Cabrera. You would, too.

But Goodrum — who hit .321 with six extra-base hits this spring — is starting to hit like he belongs in the cleanup spot he’s been occupying for the past few games.