Detroit Tigers: Week 1 Winners and Losers

3 of 5

Apr 9, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers left fielder Justin Upton (8) hits a double in the seventh inning against the New York Yankees at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Loser: Justin Upton

If Ian Kinsler has gotten off to a torrid start, than Justin Upton’s has been anything but.

The newest member of the vaunted Detroit offense, Upton’s start in Motown has been underwhelming to say the least.

In 19 plate appearances, the outfielder has hit .211 with a run scored and three doubles. While three doubles in four games isn’t necessarily bad—it is quite good actually— the strikeouts aren’t so good.

Upton has a team-high eight strikeouts in four games. That’s an extremely unhealthy rate—like an even-freer-swinging version of Steven Moya kind of unhealthy. Thankfully, that trend is unlikely to continue as the outfielder has averaged 147 strikeouts per season since becoming a regular in the Major Leagues.

Despite the slightly worrying stat line, Upton has had his moments, including on Opening Day when he recorded two hits and made a game-saving catch. He also added a nicely placed double during Saturday’s game. However, Upton just hasn’t produced at the offensive level the baseball world is used to seeing.

The good news is that it is early. Justin Upton isn’t going to hit .211 with two strikeouts per game all season.

Home/Detroit Tigers News