Detroit Tigers Lose to the New York Mets 7-3

The Detroit Tigers dropped a Spring Training contest against the New York Mets, falling 7-3 in a game Mike Pelfrey started.

The Detroit Tigers Spring Training contest with the New York Mets didn’t exactly go as planned on Monday. Mike Pelfrey was tagged for three early runs, and the Tigers were never able to recover.

While players like Miguel Cabrera, J.D. Martinez and Ian Kinsler suited up, there were plenty of players in action who could be on the Opening Day.

Detroit started a team that was filled with prospects and prospective bench players alike, as Nick Castellanos, Anthony Gose and James McCann were the only starters in the lineup. Casey McGehee, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Tyler Collins, Nate Schierholtz, Dixon Machado and Andrew Romine filled out the rest of the starting nine for the Tigers.

As is the case with Spring Training games, all were substituted out at one point or another. Almost all of the departures were simply to get other guys a look, with the exception being Castellanos. The third baseman exited with back tightness and was replaced by JaCoby Jones. However, it doesn’t seem to be anything to be worried. In an article that on MLive.com, manager Brad Ausmus said in relation to Castellanos’ back that, “I mean, we’d rather he didn’t have it, but I think if it was serious he wouldn’t have started the game.”

Standouts

It wasn’t a pretty game for the Tigers, who fell behind early and didn’t show well on defense. Corner outfield prospect/extremely productive batter Mike Gerber made an impact off the bench. The 23-year-old entered as a replacement for Schierholtz and collected a hit in his only plate appearance. He would come around to score after the single. In addition, the outfielder nearly threw out a runner at the plate with a strong throw, however it was the slightest bit offline. That allowed the runner to score.

Jason Krizan also turned in a positive shift off the bench, drawing a walk in his only plate appearance while an impact on defense. Like Gerber, Krizan plays in the outfield, and flashed the leather on Monday, making two tough catches. One involved the former Toledo Mud Hen crashing into the wall in foul territory down the left line to make an out.

On the pitching side of things, reliever Kyle Ryan tossed a perfect inning. Ryan collected two strikeouts in the process.

Errors

The Tigers were, in part, done in by some questionable defense. The defense certainly didn’t help Pelfrey, who allowed three runs in just 2.1 innings pitched. Casey McGehee, a third baseman by trade, didn’t have his best game at first base. The former Miami Marlin couldn’t corral throws from Castellanos, Machado or Romine, hurting Detroit instance. In his defense, none of the three were exactly routine throws, but he could have done better nonetheless.

Mar 7, 2016; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets second baseman Neil Walker (20) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run off of Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Mark Lowe (21) during a spring training game at Tradition Field. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Bullpen

Just as the defense didn’t do Pelfrey any favors, the relief pitching didn’t help Detroit. Mark Lowe and Justin Wilson threw an inning each. Detroit’s new setup men combined to allow three hits and three runs. Buck Farmer was also knocked around. The 25-year-old was tagged for three hits, a walk and a run in two innings pitched. While he struck out a batter, he also threw two wild pitches.

Familiar Opponent

The game featured a number of players who have suited up for the opposition. Yoenis Cespedes was the most notable Met, but New York reliever and Michigan native Duane Below has also seen time in a Tigers uniform.

For Detroit, Pelfrey wasn’t the only player to face his former employers thanks to the presence of Jordany Valdespin. The utility player, who is in minor league camp, but played in the game, collected a hit in his only plate appearance.

Next: Tigers Sign Lucas Harrell

Next Up:

The Tigers will take on the Tampa Bay Rays in the team’s next game, Tuesday at Joker Marchant Stadium.