Detroit Tigers: Greene Struggles, V-Mart Progress, MLB Draft

As quickly as the three-game winning streak came for the Detroit Tigers, it left just as fast in a, 12-3, thumping at the hands of the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday. And with the new one-game losing streak comes more questions, especially about what to do with right-handed starter Shane Greene.

Greene has not made it through five innings in three straight starts, and he has allowed at least four runs in each of his last four outings. Since allowing one run in the first 23 innings of the season, Greene’s ERA is a horrible 8.60.

But when asked about whether Greene would make his next start as scheduled, manager Brad Ausmus declined to discuss the answer.

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The good news for the Tigers on Wednesday came from the injury front where designated hitter Victor Martinez looked much better in batting practice. There is still no timetable for V-Mart to return, but it was an encouraging sign to see him hitting well in the cage.

MCB readers should all know how much the Motor City Bengals editors love the MLB Draft, so here is an update on the Tigers draft front. In the 25th round, Detroit selected right-handed pitcher Ryan Castellanos, who is Nick Castellanos‘ younger brother.

Ryan pitched in college at Nova Southeastern University in Florida. He throws a lot of strikes and his fastball tops out at 92 mph.

Alright, I’ve had my draft fill of the day. Back to real baseball news.

Detroit Tigers’ Brad Ausmus declines to speculate on future of struggling starter Shane Greene – James Schmehl, MLive.com

Following the game, Ausmus was asked about the future of Greene and whether the 26-year-old would benefit with a potential stint in Triple-A Toledo.“Every individual is different,” Ausmus said. “But that’s not something I would discuss here.”When asked if Ausmus would commit to Greene making his next start with the Tigers, the second-year manager once again declined to get into specifics.“We’re not going to get into this,” he said. “You can keep asking the same question a dozen ways. I’m not going to get into this.”

V-Mart looks ‘much better’ in Tigers batting practice – Anthony Fenech, Detroit Free Press

It was the second consecutive day that Martinez took batting practice at Comerica Park, swinging from both sides of the plate. He ran in the outfield, too.“He was hitting the ball with much more authority and there was more distance and he looked good running,” Ausmus said.Martinez said he felt good, reporting no pain, but said there wasn’t much he could tell from a batting practice session.

Tigers tab Nick Castellanos’ brother Ryan in 25th round – Chris McCosky, The Detroit News

Ryan is 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, and throws his fastball between 87-90 mph, topping out at 92.“One thing that I will say he’s very good at is pounding the strike zone,” Nick said. “He doesn’t walk too many people. Other than that, he’s still learning as a pitcher himself because he’s only pitched for three years since his senior year of high school.”The Tigers, as much as they like his size and fresh arm, like his makeup.

Next: MLB Power Rankings 2015: Week 10 Detroit Tigers Fall Again