Detroit Tigers: Can they rebound? Breaking down post All-Star break schedule

Detroit Tigers players entered Saturday eight game back of first place Cleveland in the American League Central standings. If the Tigers want to turn things around, they’ll need to rebound quickly.

Detroit Tigers fans have seen an up-and-down season. The team started in encouraging fashion, but has dropped to a 38-47 mark largely due to an eight-game losing streak.

Take away the losing slide and things would be much better for the Tigers, a team that has responded by winning two of three series since the eight losses.

Detroit can win a third series if they take the final two games in Cleveland before the All-Star break.

However, if the Tigers really want claw their way back into the playoff picture, they need to start putting wins together on a consistent basis after the All-Star break.

Here’s a look at the team’s schedule to close out July following the All-Star Game.

(All records are as of Saturday morning).

Toronto Blue Jays

2017 record: 41-46

Run differential: -46

When: July 14-16 in Detroit

Following baseball’s annual mid-season showcase, Detroit will open up 2017’s second half as they play host to Toronto.

Kansas City Royals

2017 record: 44-41

Run differential: -21

When: July 17-20 in Kansas City, July 24-26 in Detroit

Kansas City has done what Detroit needs to do in the second half. The Royals began the year with a 22-28 record through May, but have gone 22-11 since to move back into contention.

Despite the winning record, the Tigers have won both series against Kansas City this year with a 4-2 record.

More of the same success would be a welcome sign for Detroit as July continues.

Minnesota Twins

2017 record: 45-42

Run differential: -29

When: July 21-23 in Minnesota

The All-Star Game is next week and the Minnesota Twins are still in contention.

While the Twins are no longer in first, Cleveland has them by two games at the moment, Minnesota is still in the thick of things.

However, this could be a key opportunity for the Tigers.

Like Kansas City, Detroit is 4-2 versus the Twins this season. Additionally, Minnesota owns a -27 run differential since the end of May, so the opportunity is there for Miguel Cabrera and company.

Houston Astros

2017 record: 59-29

Run differential: +144

When: July 28-30 in Detroit

Before closing out July on the 31^st with the first of three games in the Bronx against the Yankees, the Tigers will host the Astros in the team’s last home stand of the month.

Houston easily takes the prize as the American League’s best first-half team. They currently sit a staggering 30 games above .500 and are one of just four teams in baseball with a run differential north of 100.

The Astros will be Detroit’s biggest test in terms of opponents during the rest of July.

Next: J-Up is going to the All-Star Game

Back in May, the Tigers lost three of four in Houston, but all four games were close, with two contests being one-run affairs.