Detroit Tigers Links: Tigers Are Best Team in MLB, Umps Explain Ejections, Sanchez To Start Sunday

May 12, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Detroit Tigers starting

(21) throws in the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

Tigers show why they’re the best team – David Schoenfield – ESPN SweetSpot

"Five thoughts on Monday’s battle between the first-place Detroit Tigers and first-place Baltimore Orioles, a 4-1 Tigers win that was more interesting than the final score indicates and evidence of why they were No. 1 in this week’s Power Rankings."

ESPN’s David Schoenfield gives five reasons why he really liked the Detroit Tigers in their win over the Baltimore Orioles on Monday.

Umpires explain why Detroit Tigers’ Torii Hunter was spared, Orioles’ Bud Norris ejected in Monday’s verbal spat – George Sipple – Free Press

"Home plate umpire James Hoye told a pool reporter that Hunter was not disciplined because “I think Bud Norris was the instigator in that position again.”“At that point, I wouldn’t eject Torii, because Bud Norris instigates it at that point. Why would I throw Torii out?”"

It never seemed like Bud Norris was trying to hit Torii Hunter, but we still had the jawing and the benches clearing and the standing around looking at each other.

Anibal Sanchez throws simulated game, expects to return to rotation Sunday vs. Boston – Chris Iott – MLive

"The Detroit Tigers will not make a final decision regarding when Anibal Sanchez returns to the starting rotation until Tuesday. But everything went well for Sanchez on Monday when he threw 60 pitches in a simulated game."

For those holding out hope that Robbie Ray will stay on in the bullpen and that someone like Phil Coke gets the boot, that’s probably not going to happen. The Detroit Tigers will want to keep Ray stretched out in AAA to continue his development, and in case they need him to start in the big leagues again.