Detroit Tigers: Drop First Half Finale, 7-1, in Minnesota

The Detroit Tigers will limp into the All-Star break with an even .500 mark after dropping the series finale in Minnesota on Sunday, 7-1.

Right-hander Shane Greene, making his first start since June 10, faired no better than he did at the end of May and beginning of June before he was sent down to the minor. Greene allowed seven runs on seven hits, struck out two and walked three in 4 2/3 innings.

The Tigers sent the 26-year-old to Triple-A Toledo after his start on June 10 in order for him to work on his curveball, and it looked no better on Sunday. Minnesota took a hanging Greene curveball deep twice.

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Minnesota designated hitter Miguel Sano hit a two-run homer in the first inning and then Trevor Plouffe blasted a solo shot in the fifth. That was all for Greene and the scoring in the game.

Sano was 4-for-11 with two doubles and the home run in the final three games of the weekend series, but it was the bottom of the order for the Twins that shined brightest on Sunday. Hitters six through nine, which included left fielder Eddie Rosario, center fielder Aaron Hicks, catcher Eric Fryer and shortstop Danny Santana, were 7-for-13 with three RBI and four runs in the victory.

Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler was the only standout for Detroit on offense. He went 3-for-4 with three singles. First baseman Marc Krauss had an RBI, right fielder J.D. Martinez scored the only run for Detroit and designated hitter Victor Martinez had a double.

The Detroit Tigers finished the road trip in Seattle and Minnesota 3-4 and have major questions marks entering the All-Star break.

In order to make a realistic run at the playoffs, the Tigers will have to find at least two quality starting pitchers because Alfredo Simon and Shane Greene/Kyle Ryan are not getting it done.

The bullpen, which was a strength through May, is now ranked 13th in the American League with a 4.02 ERA and needs help as well.

Even more astonishing is this stat: since May 8, the Detroit Tigers are 25-33, which is the worst record in the American League during that time frame.

The Tigers will look to begin to turn things around on Friday at home against the Baltimore Orioles.

Next: Detroit Tigers All-Time All-Stars