How Detroit Tigers’ batters have done against Royals’ starter James Shields – MLB News
Although the Kansas City Royals, Minnesota Twins and the Cleveland Indians have made some big moves over the last couple of weeks, the Detroit Tigers are the firm favourites to lift the American League Central Division title in the next season.
Royals, in particular, have shown they are willing to pay any price for the AL Central pennant in 2013.In an effort to make a starting rotation capable of beating best in the business, the Royals acquired Tampa Bay Rays starting pitchers James Shields and
Wade Davis for four minor league players. However, it will be interesting to see if Shields can do well against the Tigers’ batters.
“When Shields faces the Tigers, manager Jim Leyland might opt to give second baseman Omar Infante a rest and play Ramon Santiago. Infante is 2-for-16 off Shields, Santiago is 5-for-19”, John Lowe of freep.com said.
“Shields and right-hander Wade Davis came to the Royals last week from Tampa Bay for four minor leaguers, including outfielder Wil Myers, the Baseball America minor league player of the year. Davis also joins the Kansas City rotation, and he would appear
to be more of a mystery for the Tigers than Shields, especially for those three hitters who have done so well against Shields”, he added.
If Shields is going to beat the Tigers, he will have to up his game play considerably against their hitters. He has struggled in his starts at Comerica Park throughout his career.
Tigers’ third baseman Miguel Cabrera has enjoyed great success against Shields, hitting .500, going 13 for 26 with a home run and five doubles.
Shortstop Jhonny Peralta also had his fare share of success against the former Tampa Bay right hander, going 10-22 with three home runs. Victor Martinez, who is expected to return from his knee injury in 2013, also made the most of available opportunities
against Shields with 7 for 19 at bat.
These three hitters have a collective effort of .448 against Shields. Additionally, the new outfielder Torii Hunter also has 10 hits against him, which makes us wonder can Shields deliver the desired results for his team. The Tigers and Royals will play
six series in 2013 and Shields will have plenty of opportunities to reassert his dominance over Detroit’s hitters.
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