Detroit – Tough times, indeed.
The losing streak is now at four after the Tigers staggered through a three-game home sweep by the Indians – dropping the finale Sunday, 6-3.
The hitting’s gone cold and the pitching staff is suddenly in chaos.
Erratic and inefficient starting pitching has triggered the chaos. Starters not named Verlander or Zimmermann have lasted five innings or fewer in the last seven games. That has taxed the bullpen. In this latest run through the rotation (five starts), the starters have worked 23.2 innings, the relievers 22.1.
The results have been sub-optimal, especially the last two games.