Detroit Tigers: Observations From 5-2 Spring Training Loss Against New York Mets

Detroit Tigers players returned to action on Sunday against the New York Mets. While the club lost 5-2 there was plenty of notable occurrences and observations to be had. Here’s what stood out.

Detroit Tigers fans saw the team on national television on Sunday, as the team faced the New York Mets in Grapefruit League action.

Matt Boyd got the start for Detroit, firing two shutout innings.

He was replaced by Buck Farmer. Chad Bell, Daniel Stumpf, Angel Nesbitt and Kyle Ryan would also go on to pitch for the Tigers.

The Tigers put up two runs on the Mets, getting to a pitching staff that included Paul Sewald, Addison Reed and Ben Rowen.

Fielding a lineup that mostly featured backup players, Detroit got plenty of guys at-bats.

Jose Iglesias, Victor Martinez, Steven Moya, JaCoby Jones, Efren Navarro, Mike Gerber, John Hicks, Dixon Machado and Brendan Ryan started.

They were eventually replaced by the likes Alex Presley, Juan Perez, Jason Krizan, Austin Green and Dominic Ficociello, as Brad Ausmus emptied his bench.

Here are some observations from the game.

Dixon Machado could fit into a super-utility role

A shortstop by trade, Dixon Machado started at third base on Sunday.

Efren Navarro made a positive impact early

The first baseman grinded out a walk in his first at-bat.

He also took second on a wild pitch by Mets starter. Navarro also showed well in taking second as the pitch didn’t get too far away from backstop Travis d’Arnaud.

Later, in the bottom of the fourth, the former Angel made a fine defensive play to nab a sharply-hit grounder at first base.

Solid Defense

John Hicks got robbed of extra bases on a highlight-reel catch by Mets outfield Michael Conforto.

The catcher crushed one to deep right field, but Conforto made the grab. With Efren Navarro on second base, Detroit missed out on a run-scoring opportunity.

Taking Second

Steven Moya got a solid jump and stole second in the fourth after a long single. If Moya can add a base stealing element to his game, it will go a long way towards him making the Opening Day roster.

Error

Buck Farmer threw to second with a runner on and nobody covering the bag—so that happened. Michael Conforto advanced to third on the play.

V-Mart’s Contribution

One of the few Tigers starters in the lineup, Victor Martinez went one-for-three with a single.

He was removed for a pinch runner in the top of the sixth as Tyler Collins entered the game. Collins would go on to put Detroit on the board in the top of the eighth with a two-run single.