Five home runs ... and you cannot win a game. Against a team that couldn't beat anybody (4 wins in their last 17) coming into the series. That's some seriously shitty pitching right there.
Not really worried about Detroit. They'll have a mini winning streak soon and bounce back to .500. - and in this division, they will stay in contention. Actually, my only worry is Zimmermann's groin ("and there is nothing wrong with that"). If that is going to linger, any hope for a decent rotation is gone.
The worst part of yesterday's loss? They wasted an UPTON homerun!
Thank goodness only one more West Coast trip after this. The Tigers always seem to do poorly out there.
Yes, Zimmermann is a must. There are so few reliable starters in the rotation. Really, Zimmermann and -- if you take the last 5 games -- Verlander. Fulmer looks good, but he likely will be shut down at 120-130 innings.
STARTING PITCHERS
Detroit Tigers
RHP Michael Fulmer (4-1, 3.97 ERA)
Los Angeles Angels
RHP Matt Shoemaker (3-5, 5.96 ERA)
Detroit Tigers
1. Ian Kinsler, 2B
2. J.D. Martinez, RF
3. Miguel Cabrera, DH
4. Victor Martinez, 1B
5. Nick Castellanos, 3B
6. Justin Upton, LF
7. Cameron Maybin, CF
8. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
9. Jose Iglesias, SS
Pitcher: RH Michael Fulmer
I said A week ago and others also they need to really shake things up get Sanchez out get Palfrey out and let Norris and Greene and Boyd start in the rotation. They certainly have to have seen enough of this rotation wait much longer and you are going to be in a big hole. This is no guarantee to success but it doesn't look like we're on that road right now.
I found this:
With the Tigers starting both Boyd and Zimmermann this week -- giving them a six-man rotation, effectively -- their rotation appears to be set in the short term. Zimmermann, Mike Pelfrey, and Justin Verlander are scheduled to start against the Chicago White Sox this weekend, and Michael Fulmer would be able to take Sanchez's turn in the rotation on Monday on regular rest. Righthander Shane Greene is inching closer to his return from a blister injury, and lefty Daniel Norris has also pitched well in the minors, giving Boyd plenty of competition for the now-vacant spot in the rotation.