Detroit Tigers Schedule: Stretch Run Looks Promising

Detroit Tigers fans have seen the team turn things around lately thanks to improved offensive play and some excellent pitching. Here’s a look at what the Tigers have coming up for the stretch run.

Detroit Tigers players have played some excellent baseball as of late. Detroit’s recent winning streak has propelled the team back into the thick of the playoff race.

With the Tigers building momentum and winning streaks, there’s a chance to tack on a number of wins down the stretch.

Following this weekend’s series against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Detroit has remaining series against six teams. The Tigers will play four of those teams twice.

What’s more, Miguel Cabrera and friends will play more games at home (17) than on the road (15).

Considering the way Cabrera, Justin Upton and J.D. Martinez have been destroying baseballs as of late, the amount of home games is especially appealing.

Another appealing part of the schedule? Detroit is playing a number of losing teams.

Here’s a look at the Detroit Tigers’ schedule for the stretch run.

Chicago White Sox: August 29^th– 31^st and September 5^th-7^th

Things started off in a very promising manner for the White Sox this season. As of now, things are anything but promising.

Chicago currently sits 11.5 games back of Cleveland for first place in the division, and they entered Saturday ranked 25^th in runs scored and 28^th in total WAR for position players.

From a pitching standpoint, things aren’t much better. Chris Sale and Jose Quintana’s excellent campaign have kept Chicago from ranking poorly where team stats are concerned, but the rest of the team isn’t exactly thriving.

James Shields is still starting every fifth day despite boasting the worst ERA and FIP in the Majors. He also has the unfortunate distinction of registering the second worst stat in both xFIP and SIERA. Even with those stats and 16 losses, Chicago is still sending him out there.

The Tigers are 8-5 against the White Sox this season. Detroit will host the first series before hitting the road for the three dates in early September.

Kansas City Royals: September 2^nd-4^th and September 23^rd-25^th

The Kansas City Royals are an extremely different team from last season. Jonny Cueto and Ben Zobrist obviously left as free agents, but the team is also without injured contributors Mike Moustakas and Wade Davis.

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Despite a 4-9 record versus the Royals this season, the Tigers have a real shot to do some damage against Kansas City’s pitching staff. Kelvin Herrera and Danny Duffy are both having strong seasons, but otherwise there are a number of struggling pitchers on Kansas City’s roster.

Joakim Soria is currently sporting a 4.40 FIP, while Edinson Volquez’ ERA is approaching 5.00. What’s more, the likes of Yordano Ventura (3.6 walks per nine innings—not to mention a 4.68 FIP) and Dillion Gee (10.6 hits per nine innings) aren’t exactly striking fear into the hearts of opposing hitters.

Lastly, the Royals currently don’t have any current regulars with an OPS north of .800. By comparison, the Tigers have five.

Baltimore Orioles: September 9^th-11^th

The Tigers have only matched up with Baltimore in four games this season. Detroit went 1-3 in those contests, but will face a very different Orioles team come mid-September.

As it stands, the O’s have lost nine of the team’s last 14 games. Before coming to Comerica Park for three games, the American League East team will have to face the Blue Jays, Yankees and Rays. On the season, Baltimore owns losing records against Toronto and New York.

Additionally, Buck Showalter’s team is 28-37 on their travels this season. The Tigers are 36-26 at home.

Minnesota Twins: September 12^th-15^th and September 20^th-22^nd 

Detroit has dominated the Minnesota Twins this season thanks to a sparkling 10-2 record. Just earlier this week, the Tigers swept the Twins in a series that was a turning point for a previously-struggling offense. Brad Ausmus saw his team put up 25 in those three games on the road in Minnesota.

The fact that the Tigers get to play the Twins seven more times can only be looked at as a positive.

Cleveland Indians: September 16^th-19^th and September 26^th-29^th

While every game is going to be crucial in September, the might be the most crucial for Detroit. The Tigers have made some serious ground on Cleveland in the past week without playing their rivals head-to-head.

Considering Detroit still has seven games remaining against the team’s division rivals, the Tigers’ destiny is very much in their own hands.

There’s no way to sugarcoat the fact that Cleveland is 11-1 this season against the Tigers. However, if Ausmus and company can win the majority of the games versus the current division leaders, Detroit has a real chance to reclaim the division title.

Atlanta Braves: September 30

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– October 2

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• Detroit Tigers: Victor Reyes finding ways to get the job done
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• Detroit Tigers: Garrett Hill’s new role and changed delivery are excellent
• Detroit Tigers: Joe Jiménez has rebounded in 2022
• Detroit Tigers: Is it finally time to move the fences in at Comerica Park?

Detroit’s last series of the regular season will come at the tail end of September (and early October) as the team travels to Atlanta to face the Braves. With the fewest runs scored in baseball, a -157 run differential and the fifth-worst SIERA in the league, Atlanta is clearly having a rough season.

The series will also mark the return of a number of former Braves to Atlanta.

Current Tigers Justin Upton, Cameron Maybin, Erick Aybar and Jarrod Saltalamacchia have all seen time with the Braves before. Meanwhile, Atlanta features former Detroit relievers Jim Johnson and Ian Krol in the bullpen.

Next: Brad Ausmus, AL Manager of the Year?

Considering how well Detroit has fared in interleague play this season (12-5), the fact that the team will wrap things up against a struggling Atlanta team is certainly a good thing.