Detroit Tigers: Breaking Down the Rest of the Week

Sep 12, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Francisco Rodriguez (57) and first baseman Miguel Cabrera (24) celebrate after the game against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Detroit won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Francisco Rodriguez (57) and first baseman Miguel Cabrera (24) celebrate after the game against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Detroit won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Detroit Tigers
Jul 19, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Anibal Sanchez (19) wave to the fans as he walks off the field after being relieved in the seventh inning against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Wednesday: Tyler Duffey vs Anibal Sanchez

For as much as Anibal Sanchez has struggled this season, he’s actually thrown some quality innings in the second half.

The starter’s ERA sits at a respectable 4.22, and his 3.91 FIP is an obvious bright spot after some ugly outings earlier in the season. Additionally, Sanchez’ 4.08 SIERA is lower than the SIERA numbers of Gerrit Cole, Julio Teheran, Adam Wainwright and Sonny Gray.

He’ll look to turn in another solid outing on Wednesday against another struggling Minnesota pitcher.

Like Gibson, Duffey has posted much worse numbers after finding success in 2015.

Over 120.1 innings, the 25-year-old’s ERA is an unsightly 6.13. His 11.1 hits allowed per nine innings isn’t stellar either. Of starters with at least 120 innings pitched, Duffey has allowed the fifth-most home runs per nine innings. The starter also owns the 11th-worst WHIP and the 13th-highest FIP in the league.

Detroit’s middle of the order could do some serious damage against Duffey on Wednesday.

Miguel Cabrera, J.D. Martinez and Victor Martinez are a combined 19-for-30 with five doubles, four RBI, three walks and a home run against the 25-year-old. Justin Upton is also three-for-five against Duffey with two home runs and six RBI.