The Tigers were confronted on Tuesday with a crafty veteran who pitches to contact. They didn't do that often enough for one fundamental reason.
It's impossible to put the ball in play when the bat is resting on your shoulder.
JaCoby Jones, Miguel Cabrera, Harold Castro and Niko Goodrum all got caught looking by 35-year-old right-hander Jesse Chavez during the first five innings of a 5-3 loss to Texas on Tuesday at Comerica Park.
Tigers hitters have often been accused of being too over-aggressive, topping the American League with a 26.2 percent strikeout rate. That wasn't the case in the early innings.