Detroit Tigers: Breaking Down the Rest of the Week

Thursday: Hector Santiago vs Mike Pelfrey

Hector Santiago has struggled in seven starts since moving to Minnesota at the trade deadline.

Acquired in a swap involving Ricky Nolasco and Alex Meyer, Santiago’s ERA and FIP aren’t exactly stats to write home about.

The former Angels hurler’s ERA is 6.34, while his FIP sits at 6.22. In just 38.1 innings pitched, Santiago has allowed 44 hits, 28 runs, 14 walks and nine home runs.

Detroit will look to score in bunches off Santiago in support of Mike Pelfrey, who owns the highest WHIP of all starters with at least 100 innings pitched.

Fortunately, a number of Tigers hitters have found success against Santiago. Miguel Cabrera and J.D. Martinez have both gone yard twice off the veteran, while Justin Upton also owns a home run versus the 28-year-old.

Pelfrey, who pitched for Minnesota for parts of three seasons, has actually been somewhat dependable as of late. The 32-year-old is 4-2 with a 3.99 ERA in his last six starts.

The starter allowed just four hits and a walk in five shutout innings versus Houston in his last start. Hopefully he can keep hi scoreless streak going when he matches up with his former employers.