Detroit Tigers have opportunity on West Coast road trip

Detroit Tigers players will embark on a seven-game road trip beginning with Monday’s contest in Seattle against the Mariners. The series begins the start of a promising stretch for Detroit.

Detroit Tigers fans won’t see the team at home as they hit the road to face the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres.

After a series split against the Tampa Bay Rays at home, the Tigers are seeking to turn things around.

With a 32-36 record and the trade deadline over the horizon, now may be one of the best chances for Detroit to return to legitimate contender status.

The Tigers will turn to Anibal Sanchez on Monday—a move that hasn’t provided much in the way of results this season— to get the ball rolling.

Sanchez has a 7.90 FIP in the Majors this season, and a 4.60 ERA with Triple-A Toledo.

However, there are some reasons to be optimistic.

The veteran has a 2.92 xFIP in four starts for the Mud Hens, and is punched out 11.49 batters per nine frames with Toledo.

He’s also striking out 9.4 batters per nine innings in the Majors, his highest rate since he finished fourth in the Cy Young voting and won the ERA and FIP crowns in the American League in 2013.

While Sanchez has struggled this season, he has found success against Seattle in his Major League career.

The former Marlin owns a 3.86 ERA, 9.8 strikeouts per nine frames and a 1.418 WHIP in 30.1 innings against the American League West franchise.

Additionally, Sanchez has a 3-0 record over the same span, which has included six appearances (four starts) and two complete games.

Breaking down the Seattle Mariners

While in Western Washington, the Detroit Tigers will miss two of Seattle’s top starters, with Felix Hernandez and Hisashi Iwakuma not scheduled to pitch.

Instead, the Tigers will match up with pitchers Sam Gaviglio, Ariel Miranda, James Paxton and Yovani Gallardo.

Detroit will counter with Sanchez, Jordan Zimmermann, Justin Verlander and Daniel Norris.

Gaviglio owns a 5.93 FIP and has been tagged for 2.36 home runs per nine innings. Meanwhile, Miranda’s xFIP sits at 5.24.

Paxton has been the team’s ace this season with 10.02 strikeouts per nine innings, a 1.7 WAR and a sparkling 2.69 FIP.

However, Detroit will try to cancel out his efforts with Justin Verlander set to oppose him.

Rounding out the list is Gallardo, who has thrown 75.2 innings on the season.

The ex-Ranger’s 6.30 ERA is a bit unsightly, as is his 4.83 FIP and 4.72 xFIP.

Detroit will also face an offense that has seen Robinson Cano (91 wRC+, 0.2 WAR in the last 30 days) and Jean Segura (91 wRC+, 0.0 WAR) struggle somewhat in the last month.

The Mariners will enter the new week with a 34-37 record and a -12 run differential. Like the Tigers, they’re looking to turn things around.