Detroit Tigers’ pitching rotation looking in great shape – MLB Update
Detroit Tigers’ General Manager Dave Dombrowski will be a relieved man these days. Making some expensive moves during the offseason, the GM was expecting the Tigers to dominate every other team in the American League.
However, after starting the season on a high note, the Tigers suddenly lost their way. AL Central Division rivals, Cleveland Indians and Chicago White Sox were quick to pounce on opportunities and the Tigers were left behind in the playoff race.
Credit should be given to the Manager Jim Leyland who barely managed to keep the Tigers at .500 before the All Star Break. Leyland is an extremely experienced campaigner and he has exceptional management skills. The way he has used Tigers’ pitching resources
after the All Star Break is something every Tiger fan should be proud of.
Ace Justin Verlander was hammered by the NL hitters in the All Star Game. Leyland gave him confidence and the starting pitcher bounced back strongly to shut his critics.
There are so many young and talented pitchers in the Tigers’ rotation. Sometimes, it is tough to pick the right combination for a particular game but Leyland has a unique ability to use his resources extremely effectively.
In a game against the White Sox at Comerica Park in Detroit on Sunday, July 22, starting pitcher Jacob Turner produced a match winning performance. Allowing just three runs in five plus innings, he helped the Tigers establish complete control over the contest.
Drew Smyly, who is on Disabled List at the moment, has also shown a lot of promise.
"I think the biggest difference is just being more aggressive, attacking the hitters and not really worrying about who might be at the plate, but just going right after them," Turner said in a post game interview with a smile on his face.
Relief pitcher Joaquin Benoit displayed some top quality skills on Sunday as he pitched a perfect ninth for his second save of the season.
Considering the troubles he faced earlier this season, it was an amazing effort by Turner. Riding on a five game winning streak, it seems the Tigers are growing in confidence with each passing game.
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