DETROIT -- Ron Gardenhire doesn't want JaCoby Jones looking over his shoulder. The Tigers' manager wants his young left fielder looking for a pitch he can belt. Thursday afternoon's go-ahead two-run homer in a 3-1 win over the Twins was a start.
"Sometimes I think he's just thinking, 'I can't strike out this time.' That's negative thoughts," Gardenhire said. "We have to get back to positive thoughts."
Jones went back and forth between Detroit and Triple-A Toledo three times last season amid his hitting struggles. His recent skid brought some flashbacks, but Gardenhire emphasized he doesn't want to put Jones on the I-75 shuttle.