Detroit Tigers Opening Day 2016: 3 Things to Know

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Mar 16, 2016; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Wei-Yin Chen (54) delivers a pitch against the Washington Nationals during the game at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports /

Wei-Yin Chen is Starting for Miami, and He Struggles Against Detroit

The Marlins are starting high-profile offseason addition Wei-Yin Chen ahead of obvious ace Jose Fernandez in an effort to keep the 23-year-old’s innings under control.

Chen has had a solid career to date. In four years with the Baltimore Orioles, he won 46 games while posting a 3.72 ERA and a cumulative 10 WAR. Last season was perhaps his best with career-best numbers in the ERA (3.34) and WAR (3.8) departments. The 30-year-old also won 11 games in what would be his final season in Baltimore

However, despite all that success, Chen has struggled mightily in three career starts against Tigers.

In those three starts, which have totaled 14.1 innings pitched, the left-hander has surrendered 19 hits, 12 runs (all earned) and five home runs. If you’re doing the math at home, that equates to a .317 batting average against and a sky-high 7.53 ERA.

Of all the Detroit players to have faced the former Baltimore pitcher in the past, Ian Kinsler has found the most success. The second baseman (who will be hitting when the two teams square off) is a .417 hitter in 12 at-bats against Chen. He’s only managed a single RBI, but he’s shown he can get on base.

J.D. Martinez and James McCann both have home runs off the Miami pitcher. Additionally, Anthony Gose and Mike Aviles have also added RBI in previous matchups with Chen.

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