is a common theme for Detroit Tigers Manager AJ Hinch was the hitter’s plate discipline this spring.
In form of Tigers deal with the host Kansas City Royals In Wednesday’s rubber match of the three-match series, Hinch’s thrust appears to be paying off
Detroit’s strikeout rate has dropped significantly. After being whisked over 10 times per game by the end of April, that rate dropped to 7.7 in May.
Hinch said, “The players have made a concentrated effort.” “In the beginning we were a little hesitant as a team to control the strike zone, thinking we had to accept every first pitch. Can’t kill or take one damage hit in. I think our group as a whole has bought into knowing when to go and when to be patient.
Tigers First baseman Spencer Torkelson drew four walks on Monday, the most by a Tigers Batter since JD Martinez drove in four runs on May 16, 2017 against the Baltimore Orioles
“After being the most aggressive hitter in the month of April to swing at the first pitch and still hit the ball hard when he swings, that’s great progress,” Hinch said.
A slight downside to the manager’s optimism about offensive selectivity is the fact that his hitters struck out 12 times in each of the first two games of the current series, including Monday’s 8-5, 10-inning Detroit win and 4-1 Kansas City. Won the victory Tuesday’s win.
Royal Family Right-hander Zack Greinke (1-5, 4.82 ERA) will look for more whimpers when he goes up against Detroit on Wednesday. Will start for left-hander Matthew Boyd (3-3, 6.21) Tigers
In 32 career games (29 starts) versus Detroit, Greinke is 13–8 with a 2.84 ERA. He didn’t win in two starts against Tigers Haven’t beat them since last year and 2012
Miguel Cabrera has enjoyed some success against Greinke, producing a .302 average and one home run in 43 at-bats.
Boyd had a 7–11 mark and a 5.44 ERA in 27 appearances (26 starts). Royal Family, the opponent he has faced more than any other. He last started on June 14, 2021 against Kansas City and he Royal Family Since its final debut in 2020
Salvador Perez has the most experience against Boyd of the Royal Family‘ hitter, batting .239 with two homers in 46 at-bats.
Greinke will look to provide some playing time to assist a tired relief corps that has handled three bullpen games in the last 11 contests.
Kansas City sent its 10th different starting pitcher to the mound on Tuesday, as Mike Meyers made his 200th career pitching appearance but just his seventh career start. Of American League teams, only the Tampa Bay Rays have used more starters (11).
The club has earned just one win from a starter since Brad Keller contributed to Kansas City’s 3-8 slump in a May 10 win over the Chicago White Sox.
Royal Family Relievers have had 16 blowout-led losses — tied for second most in the majors — including eight blowout-lead losses this month
Troubled Kansas City’s staff may soon get help from left-hander Daniel Lynch, who threw 61 pitches in six shutout innings for Triple-A Omaha against St. Paul on Tuesday. Lynch, who sustained a left shoulder strain on March 23, made four rehab starts with Omaha, going 2–0 with a 3.98 ERA.
“Everything is going as we expected,” said Kansas City manager Matt Quattro. “We’re sure he’ll come (Wednesday) and he’ll feel good, and then we’ll try to come up with a plan.”
– Field Level Media