Detroit Tigers Links: All-Stars, DL come and go, the first half savior

Jul 6, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Rick Porcello (21) pitches in the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Tigers land Cabrera, Scherzer, Martinez on All-Star team, but no Porcello, yet – Tony Paul, Detroit News

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Despite the best stretch of pitching in his six-year career, Porcello wasn’t one of the Tigers named to the American League All-Star team when the rosters were unveiled. And the news certainly was disappointing to teammates who were pulling hard for the right-handed starter. Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez, the Tigers lethal 3-4 combo who’ve combined for 35 home runs and 122 RBIs, probably deserve to go more — and they will, along with Scherzer.

Despite last night’s struggles it would have been nice to see Porcello get the honor without having to be voted upon. Nonetheless, you can vote for Rick by following this link.  

Patrick McCoy (hamstring) goes on 15-day DL; Ian Krol activated – Ashar Khan, MLive

Left-handed pitcher Patrick McCoy was placed on the 15-day disabled list prior to the game due to a pulled right hamstring. The Tigers activated left-handed pitcher Ian Krol from the 15-day DL. Kroll (shoulder inflammation since June 21) tossed one scoreless inning during his rehab assignment with Single A West Michigan.

McCoy had been pitching well in his limited time up with the Tigers. Hopefully Krol can return to form before suffering from “dead arm” and hitting the DL. 

J.D. Martinez credited as under-the-radar savior for Detroit Tigers – Anthony Fenech, Detroit Free Press

Tigers assistant general manager Al Avila was familiar with J.D. Martinez. Now, the rest of the league is getting familiar with the hot-hitting outfielder. Avila was familiar with Martinez growing up in Pembroke Pines, where he has a home, and his brother, Ralph, coached him in Little League. Martinez also played college baseball at Southeastern University with Avila’s nephew Nick and his youngest son, Alan. “He went to our minor league camp, and from the first day he started hitting home runs,” Avila said. “It was an amazing thing.”

Fenech highlight an interesting excerpt from Jerry Crasnik which said the Astros and Martinez’s relationship was rocky for swinging on the first pitch, a Houston no-no. As someone who bristles when the Tigers swing at the first pitch, I understand it, but the Astros’ temper tantrum seems to be the Tigers gain.