All series talk goes in here. Non series talk goes somewhere else. No PBP, that can be found from other sources if you need it. All games are broadcast on Root Sports unless otherwise noted. 5-22 Michael Fulmer RHP vs. Brad Peacock RHP 7:10 MLBN (out-of-market only) 5-23 Jordan Zimmermann RHP vs. Lance McCullers Jr. RHP 7:10 5-24 Daniel Norris LHP vs. Charlie Morton RHP 7:10 5-25 Justin Verlander RHP vs. Mike Fiers RHP 7:10
Split, maybe 3 of 4 if Fiers performs like he did on Saturday. Zimmermann has yet to find his form not been very good with the Tigers, Norris has had plenty of traffic in his starts, and Verlander's been meh. I think Peacock will find a way to hang with Fulmer.
Let's turn this homestand around starting tonight. Peacock has been pitching well, hope it continues tonight.
Here's where both teams stack up entering the series: Offense The Tigers have gotten a massive boost since J.D. Martinez returned from the DL. Detroit is in the lower half of the AL in terms of hits, but they've pounded out 135 extra-base hits, which constitute 38.8% of their total hits. By comparison, 33.8% of the Astros' hits have gone for extra bases. Save for Jose Iglesias, this Detroit lineup is a patient bunch. Runs: HOU 220 (2nd in AL), DET 206 (5th) Hits: HOU 399 (1st), DET 348 (11th) 2B: HOU 71 (6), DET 74 (4) 3B: HOU 4 (10), DET 9 (2) HR: HOU 61 (5), DET 52 (8) AVG: HOU .266 (3), DET .246 (8) OBP: HOU .336 (3), DET .329 (6) SLG: HOU .441 (2), DET .421 (6) OPS: HOU .777 (2), DET .750 (4) Walks: HOU 143 (10), DET 165 (5) Strikeouts: HOU 322 (4), DET 356 (9) Pitching On paper (operative term), it looks like a clear advantage for the Astros. The Tigers have the 2nd-worst ERA in the American League and are in the lower half in most of the other significant categories. However, the trio of Shane Greene, Alex Wilson, and Justin Wilson have all gotten off to outstanding starts this season in their bullpen, so getting to their relievers may not necessarily be a blessing. That being said, Greene's (1.35 ERA, 3.19 FIP) and Alex Wilson's (1.47 ERA, 3.69 FIP) FIP figures are well above their ERA which suggests that they've been a little fortunate so far. The Astros are definitely gonna have to make hay against the Tigers' starters here. Runs allowed: HOU 166 (1), DET 215 (13) Earned runs allowed: HOU 156 (2), DET 197 (14) ERA: HOU 3.52 (1), DET 4.74 (14) Hits allowed: HOU 341 (5; 7.7 H/9), DET 389 (11; 9.4 H/9) HR allowed: HOU 56 (11), DET 58 (12) Walks allowed: HOU 138 (6), DET 152 (12) Strikeouts: HOU 432 (1), DET 333 (11)
Reading the facts, a split would be disappointing. We have a few injuries, but they shouldn't cripple us. Marisnick needs to play 3 games minimum. Oh, and thank God Victor Martinez is returning from paternity leave after missing the entire Rangers series.
Jordan Janikowski coming up.. injury in the pen or just a rested arm? Fulmer has had a hell of a start to the season. Will need Peacock to come out firing. Hoping for a series win, but could easily see us dropping the first and last games. I'd be ok with a split.
Suppose the easy (and obvious) move would be to take Dayan Diaz off the 40-man roster. They could also transfer Brady Rodgers to the 60-day DL.
I'd guess Reymin Guduan if someone doesn't go to 60-day DL. I don't see him lasting the season on 40-man.
Jankowski has also started in the minors, so he's another guy who could provide multiple innings if needed. Fastball-slider guy.
Good for Jankowski. This was his 3rd year in Fresno, and he's already 28, but's he finally getting a chance in the show. Feels unlikely that he's gonna stick beyond Keuchel's DL stint, but at least his foot's in the door now.
I'll be at the game.. May Mania tickets got me in section 129 tonight which is nice, hope we turn it around.