Detroit Tigers: Tigers Aim to Snap Losing Streak Against Texas

The Detroit Tigers will be entering a three-game series against The Texas Rangers beginning on Tuesday night. 

The Detroit Tigers head into the series having dropped four out of the past four games. However, hat is not the worst of the Tigers’ problems. Since the start of June, Detroit has only won four out of their 19 games, and their 26-47 record has them ranked 4th in the AL Central with Kansas City behind a game and a half.

On the other side of the field, the Rangers have found substantial success. Their record is currently 42-36 as they find themselves just a half of a game back from having a wild card position which Cleveland has possession. This match-up will be the first out of two times these teams will see each other this season.

The first storyline has to be Jordan Zimmermann. Zimmermann is back for his second game since he was injured. His first showing was an impressive one against Pittsburgh. In his four innings pitched, Zimmermann gave up three runs on five hits while striking out four in the process. When he left the game, Detroit had the advantage of leading 7-3. However, once he left, the bullpen crumbled and the final score was 8-7 in Pittsburgh’s favor. It is nice to see Zimmermann back in the rotation.

Zimmermann will have his work cut out for him against the Rangers. Texas is currently tied for the second most runs in the MLB with 435 batters crossing the plate this year. Texas is also 3rd in the AL in RBIs with 412.  The production from Texas this year has been nothing to overlook.

The Tigers will have a bit of hope in the form of the injury bug, and boy has it bitten Texas hard. Both of the Rangers’ two all-star selections are on the IL at the moment. Hunter Pence was put on the list June 18th because of a minor groin issue, while Joey Gallo was put on the list June 19th because of a problem with his oblique.

Even though these injuries have been estimated to be over in about a week, they will most likely not be able to play during the series against the Tigers. This is huge for Detroit. Pence at 36-years-old has been on a roll. His batting average is currently .294 with 15 HRs. Players can only dream of being that productive at that age. Meanwhile, Gallo has 17 HR with another productive batting average of .276. The Tigers will breathe more easily, knowing that these two All-Stars will not be on the field.

Texas is going to be looking to take back control of an AL Wild Card spot, while the Detroit Tigers will be battling to not drop five straight. First pitch of the series is set for Tuesday at 7:10 pm from Comerica Park.