Detroit Tigers Batters to Watch in Upcoming Series Against Seattle

Detroit Tigers Hitters vs James Paxton and Hisashi Iwakuma

James Paxton
Age: 28
Major League Seasons: Five
Throws: Left-Handed
Lifetime WAR: 7.0
2017 FIP: 1.14

Detroit Tigers batters haven’t faced Paxton much.

Despite the small sample size, James McCann has a hit and an RBI in three at-bats against Paxton. He’s also registered a base knock in a trio of at-bats versus Iwakuma.

Per usual Victor Martinez has found success against a starting pitcher. The veteran has two hits, two walks, a double and an RBI in 10 plate appearances against the starter.

Hisashi Iwakuma
Age: 36
Major League Seasons: Six
Throws: Right-Handed
Lifetime WAR: 11.5
2017 FIP: 7.49

While Paxton hasn’t matched up with Tigers, Detroit has seen Hisashi Iwakuma plenty over the years. Kinsler is 13-for-34 with three home runs, three RBI, three walks and two doubles.

Castellanos has registered five hits in 10 at-bats against the starter, including a double and a solo home run.

Additionally, Martinez has taken Iwakuma deep twice.

All told, the hitter is batting .389 with a 1.228 OPS in 18 at-bats. He’s also collected seven hits, six RBI and a double.

Next: Why Leonys Martin is Worth a Flier

Considering Iwakuma has struggled so far in 2017 (-0.5 WAR, 5.85 SIERA, 1.377 WHIP, 3.98 strikeouts per nine innings), it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Tigers offense have a strong day at the plate.