— Dixon Machado is well aware he’s in the major leagues for his defense.
But lately, he could’ve fooled us.
The Tigers’ backup shortstop rarely starts, but when he does, he finds a way to contribute at the plate, getting hits in seven consecutive starts, 10 of his last 11, and 12 of 15 on the season.
That’s some mighty impressive stuff, when you don’t play every day, or anywhere close to it.
“Yeah, he’s probably the best hitter in the American League that doesn’t play,” manager Brad Ausmus said following the Tigers’ 9-1 loss Sunday, when Machado had two of Detroit’s six hits.