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Detroit Tigers: Justin Verlander progressing, offensive Tigers, Rajai not wrong

By Matt Pelc

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Well, how was that for a first Detroit Tigers week? 6-0 for the first time since 1985 and steamrolled two division rivals.

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People can dismiss the Tigers first three efforts against “just the Minnesota Twins,” but they cannot explain away a total domination of the Cleveland Indians, a team that many pick to win the AL Central over the Tigers.

One key franchise figure missing through all the fun of the first week was Justin Verlander. He is progressing very nicely and will be throwing a simulated game in Pittsburgh on Wednesday. With any luck, he may be able to go in the Tigers’ next home stand beginning Friday.

I think everyone thought that the Tigers’ lineup would be better, but probably no one expected it to this level. That said, this lineup had potential and seemingly everyone is living up to it through the first six games.

Finally when Rajai Davis slid into Yan Gomes late in Saturday’s game, some Indians’ fans so it as “dirty.” The players and managers on both sides disagree with this. It is unfortunate that Gomes is now out 6-8 weeks but these things happen in baseball.

All of us here at MCB wish Gomes a speedy recovery.

Tigers’ Justin Verlander to throw simulated game Wednesday – Elliott Smith, CBS Sports

"Verlander threw bullpen sessions on Friday and Sunday and reported no pain from his triceps. The Tigers plan was to have Verlander throw a simulated game before coming off the disabled list, and his performance Wednesday may indicate when he will come off the DL."

Few surprises with Detroit Tigers current offensive pace – Call to the Pen

"Kinsler, Cabrera and V. Martinez all have career OBPs north of .340. J.D. broke out last season and clearly benefited from his surroundings. He posted a .358 OBP and scored 57 runs in only 123 games played. Slotting Cespedes behind him in the batting order should help J.D. surpass his base running numbers from 2014."

Tigers, Indians agree Rajai Davis did nothing wrong on play at plate: ‘It was just a baseball play’ -Chris Iott

"“Clearly no intent on Raj’s part to try and injure him,” Ausmus said.Indians manager Terry Francona agreed.“It was just a baseball play,” Francona told reporters during his pregame session. “He just clipped his heel. I watched it live. That was just baseball.”Clearly, if Davis had been sliding into a base, his foot would have caught the bag and not slid over the top like it did on the play at home.“That was a force play, so there’s no collision there,” Francona said. “Gomer was trying to stretch like a first baseman. The hard thing is there’s no first base. When you’re stretching, you’re on a flat plate, which is harder.”"

Next: Kinsler could be MVP

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