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Detroit Tigers: Three Things to Know for the Houston Series

By Ben Rosener

Apr 12, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers left fielder Justin Upton (8) receives congratulations from first baseman Miguel Cabrera (24) after he hits a home run in the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers left fielder Justin Upton (8) receives congratulations from first baseman Miguel Cabrera (24) after he hits a home run in the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Detroit Tigers
Apr 5, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera (right) greets Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander (left) during the sixth inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Will Miggy and JV Get Back on Track?

While the Tigers have won six of eight games to start the season, two of the team’s best players haven’t had the best starts. Miguel Cabrera is only hitting .241 with a double, a home run and four RBI through eight games. Meanwhile, resident Tigers ace Justin Verlander owns an 8.71 ERA in 10.1 innings split between two starts.

Despite those uncharacteristic numbers, neither is too much of a concern. With Cabrera, it isn’t a matter of if, but when in terms of when he’ll go on a tear. The man does have four of the last six American League batting titles to his name. Additionally, Verlander looked good against the Marlins, and simply had a bad outing against the Yankees. That’s likely the reason for the high ERA. In fact, his FIP is almost four and a half runs less at 4.28.

With Cabrera (obviously) slated to hit third all series against Houston and Verlander scheduled to pitch on Saturday, there will be plenty of opportunity for getting back on track.

While Cabrera is only a .250 career hitter against the Astros (his worst against any opponent), he has had success in the past when matched up with a number of Houston’s pitchers. The first-ballot Hall-of-Famer is 2-for-5 against both McHugh and Fiers. Against McHugh, Cabrera has a double and a walk. In In his career versus Fiers, the former Marlin has a double, a triple and a walk. He’s also driven in a run.

Cabrera is also extremely successful against Astros reliever Tony Sipp. The two have faced off six times, and Cabrera has come away the winner in each encounter. The slugger is 3-for-3 with a double, two home runs and three walks.

On the pitching side of things, Verlander has been dominant when facing Houston. In five career starts against the Astros, the Cy Young winner is 2-0 with a miniscule 1.62 ERA and 37 strikeouts in 33.1 innings pitched.

Next: Tigers Will Go as Far as Offense Takes Them

Both Miggy and JV should get back on track for the Detroit Tigers during the weekend series.

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