Detroit Tigers Observations From 11-2 Loss to White Sox

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Apr 6, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Matthew Boyd (48) delivers against the Chicago White Sox in the first inning at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /

Detroit Tigers players returned to action on Thursday after Wednesday’s game was rained out. Here are some observations from Detroit’s 11-2 loss against the Chicago White Sox.

Detroit Tigers players didn’t have the best game on Thursday afternoon.

The club was held in check by Chicago starter James Shields, and scored just two runs total.

Meanwhile, the White Sox plated 11 runs off Matt Boyd, Anibal Sanchez and Alex Wilson.

Geovany Soto homered twice for Chicago, while Matt Davidson also added a round tripper. The duo combined for four hits and seven RBI.

All told, Detroit managed just four hits on the day, while striking out nine times.

Here are some more observations from the loss.

Matt Boyd Simply Walked Too Many Batters

After turning in a strong spring, Matt Boyd earned a rotation spot as the Tigers’ fifth starter.

He didn’t have his best stuff on Thursday, as the White Sox registered four walks off the left-hander. This in-part helped Chicago plate five runs in just 2.1 innings.

The starting pitcher also allowed five hits and a home run while throwing 80 pitches. He struck out two.

Anibal Sanchez Struggled, but Did His Job

Anibal Sanchez wasn’t perfect against the Sox. He surrendered five hits, five runs, a pair of walks and a home run in 3.2 innings.

However, he did his job in the sense that he soaked up innings to protect the rest of the bullpen. Now, Detroit’s relievers will be rested for the team’s home opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday.

Apr 6, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu (79) talks with Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera (24) after hitting a single in the first inning at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /

Tigers Can’t Take Advantage of Early Walks

Detroit was limited to just two hits against Chicago starter James Shields in 5.1 innings of work. However, the Tigers were able to register five walks against the former Padre.

That being said, they couldn’t make anything out of them, ending up with just one run against the veteran. Said run came on a solo home run by Tyler Collins in the top of the second.

Nick Castellanos’ Day

Nick Castellanos turned in solid at-bat early, lacing a double down the line on a 3-1 count.

The third baseman would later reach third base in the top of the eighth on an error. He finished 1-for-4 with a run scored and a strikeout.

JaCoby Jones’ Plate Discipline

JaCoby Jones showed some solid plate discipline again. The outfielder drew a walk on a full count in the top of the second inning, and didn’t wave at much outside of the strike zone.

If he can keep it up, the Detroit Tigers will be in excellent shape moving forward.

Blaine Hardy Turns in Quality Outing

Pitching late in the blowout, Blaine Hardy was the only Detroit Tigers pitcher to keep the Chicago White Sox off the board.

After relieving Alex Wilson, the left-hander struck out Jose Abreu and former Tigers outfield prospect Avisail Garcia swinging. Todd Frazier was the only batter in the inning not to strike out.

The third baseman ended up flying out to center field.

Feb 24, 2017; Lakeland, FL, USA; umpire Joe West (22) and Detroit Tigers catcher Alex Avila (31) share a laugh at home plate during the third inning of a spring training baseball game at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Bench Players See Some Action, Make Late Impact

In blow outs, both teams obviously empty their respective benches as the game goes on. Chicago did this in part as Leury Garcia came in late for Melky Cabrera.

However, the Detroit Tigers changes were as close to wholesale as you can get with a four-man bench.

Dixon Machado entered the game in the bottom of the seventh inning at second base, replacing leadoff hitter Ian Kinsler. Meanwhile, Andrew Romine took over for Miguel Cabrera at first base.

Mikie Mahtook also saw action, stepping in for Justin Upton in the same inning.

The move by manager Brad Ausmus allowed all three players to see some time defensively, while also logging an at-bat each.

These things can be hard to come by—at least on a consistent basis—for reserve players, so it was a definite positive to get the bench into the game.

While Dixon Machado grounded out to Michael Ynoa, and Andrew Romine struck out, Alex Avila did make an instant impact.

Pinch hitting for designated hitter Victor Martinez, Avila nearly deposited a Ynoa pitch into the stands in left field for a two-run home run.

However, he just missed out on a trip around the bases as he settled for a double.

The double did plate third baseman Nick Castellanos, who had previously reached third on an error earlier in the inning.

Mike Mahtook would later strike out after seeing seven pitches.

The Detroit Tigers return to action on Friday for the team’s home opener at Comerica Park. Michael Fulmer will take the mound against the Boston Red Sox.

Next: 6 Players Who Missed Out on Opening Day Roster Who Could Contribute This Season

He’ll be opposed by knuckleball pitcher Steven Wright. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 P.M. Eastern time.

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