Detroit – And yet.
Not much has gone right for the Tigers in the first half of this 60-game season, and why would it? Shoot, nothing much has gone right in this world since COVID-19 struck in March.
Veteran starting pitchers Jordan Zimmermann and Ivan Nova are injured. Ace Matthew Boyd posted a 9.64 ERA in his first five starts. The rotation for a stretch featured three starters who were limited to three innings per game.
Through 28 games, the starting pitchers were averaging less than four innings per start. Even with several extra relievers, having to cover nearly five innings a night over 28 games would tax any bullpen.