Detroit Tigers 8 Observations From 4-1 Win Against Boston Red Sox

JaCoby Jones’ Plate Discipline

If the rookie can keep this up over the long haul, the Detroit Tigers center fielder has a chance to be special.

His defense is already Major League-ready, and he has the power and speed to potentially reach the 20-20 mark in both categories.

Now, with improved plate discipline, Jones has the making of a potential impact player in time.

Tigers Win with Middle of the Lineup Struggling

It is somewhat uncommon to see Detroit’s middle of the order struggle all at once and in one game.

Nick Castellanos, Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez and Justin Upton went a combined 0-for-13. The quartet did notch a pair of walks between them, but they also accounted for six strikeouts.

Castellanos did obliterate a pitch in the eighth inning, but only to have it caught by Jackie Bradley Jr. Boston’s center fielder made a standout running catch before crashing into the wall.

The Bullpen Finished It Out

The Detroit Tigers’ bullpen didn’t have the best game on Friday. Because of that, it was nice to see the unit bounce back on Saturday.

Shane Greene threw a scoreless frame, allowing a hit and striking out two.

Kyle Ryan also kept Boston off the board before Justin Wilson finished things off with a perfect ninth inning. The southpaw struck out two batters in an inning that saw him throw just 11 pitches.

Double Plays

Justin Upton avoided a potential double play in the second inning by beating out a throw to first after Victor Martinez had been forced out at second.

Next: Old Friend Doug Fister is A Hypothetical Fit for Tigers

Ground ball double plays have hindered the Tigers in the past, if more players can start beating out grounders on more of a consistent basis, the team will benefit greatly.