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Detroit Tigers: Justin Verlander and others look to come back, David Price defense

By Matt Pelc

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The Detroit Tigers had scored just four runs through the first three games in the Kansas City Royals series but their pitching, both starting and relief, kept them in all of the games except the first one.

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So it is fitting that in today’s edition of the morning links, we look at stories that all involve the pitching.

First up, while Joakim Soria has been extremely reliable in the ninth inning this season (posting 10 saves in 10 chances), they have not really discovered an eighth inning option. But is young Angel Nesbitt the guy for setup? The Tigers seem to think so.

We all know that Justin Verlander has been doing all he can (when allowed) to start to come back to playing form, but a couple other pitchers are trying to come back. That includes Bruce Rondon, who has been throwing, and Ian Krol in Toledo, trying to catch the big league’s eye for the next time they need a reliever.

Lastly, while David Price is had an up and down season on the mound, with the good outweighing the bad after his complete game gem on Saturday, his defense has been questionable. That has not always been the case as Price is usually a good fielder and he is seeking to break out of the fielding slump.

Tigers working Nesbitt toward back-end bullpen role – Anthony Fenech, Detroit Free Press

"“It’s definitely on the horizon,” manager Brad Ausmus said. “It’s something we’ve kind of had on our minds since spring training.”Nesbitt, 24, earned a surprise spot on the Opening Day roster after a strong spring. And thus far, he’s been the Tigers’ most dependable right-hander outside of closer Joakim Soria in the bullpen.Ausmus said the team wanted Nesbitt to get his feet wet before relegating him to a back-end of the bullpen role."

Three key pitchers working their way back to Tigers – Chris McCosky, Detroit News

"Starter Justin Verlander, who continues to be limited to light tossing, has an MRI scheduled when the team gets to Chicago. Ausmus wouldn’t say exactly which day, but it could be Monday or Tuesday.“I will let you know after we get the results,” he said. “You will know quickly in Chicago.”It will be the third MRI Verlander has had on his strained right triceps. The Tigers need to see a clean MRI, one that shows that there is no fluid in the area, before Verlander can resume his throwing program."

Detroit Tigers notebook: David Price dedicated to improving defense; Ian Krol working his way back – James Schmehl, MLive

"But Price is also tied for the league lead in errors after committing his second gaffe in six starts this season on Saturday. And he’s greatly annoyed by it.A day after committing a fielding error on Alex Gordon‘s comeback dribbler, Price was spotted in the outfield early Sunday at Kauffman Stadium taking grounders from bullpen catcher Jeff Kunkel.“I’d rather not lead the league in errors,” said Price, who has committed two errors this season. “I’m giving them extra outs. Getting 27 outs is hard enough. I’d rather not have to get 28 or 29.”"

Next: Recent losses expose need for Verlander

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