MCB notes: Alex Faedo takes over in the Detroit Tigers rotation

Been a while since I have done-up an “MCB notes" piece, but I felt it was time as we recap the Detroit Tigers series win against the Cardinals, preview the upcoming series with Cleveland, and the recent roster moves

The Detroit Tigers are 5-1 in the month of May

The series against St. Louis was some of the best Detroit Tigers baseball we have seen in quite some time. Clutch hitting and bullpen work were among the two major themes as Detroit pulled off the series win versus the Cardinals.

Before Sunday's game, the Tigers sent down right-hander Spencer Turnbull to Toledo. Turnbull has struggled since the season began since coming back from Tommy John surgery. In his start on Saturday, Turnbull gave up five runs on seven hits. He bounced back after starting the fifth inning, giving up a lead-off single to Lars Nootbaar. He struck out Goldschmidt and Contreras, which gave the Cardinals the 5-3 lead at the time.

Alex Faedo made his first start of the season after logging 18 innings in Toledo, where he achieved a 2.50 ERA over five starts. Faedo, recovering from right hip surgery, pitched 4.2 innings, allowing two earned runs on three hits. His pitch speeds averaged 92-93 mph, consistent with his Triple-A performance, and featured a mix of sliders, fastballs, and changeups. As previously noted, all his pitches have seen increased break. Despite conceding two home runs, Faedo appeared solid in his first Detroit start since July 2022.

Sunday's loss proved difficult for Detroit fans, as the team surrendered five unearned runs, with infielders Javier Baez and Nick Maton on the left side contributing four errors. The bullpen appeared exhausted after handling high-pressure situations. Though the Cardinals possess one of the National League's worst records, their lineup remains formidable.

Up next for the DetroitTigers: A clash with Cleveland

1. Monday: 6:10PM LHP Joey Wentz vs. RHP Tanner Bibee

It should be an interesting first game, as both pitchers have never faced their opponents. The rookie Bibee is coming off a no-decision over the Yankees in which he gave up two runs over four hits in 5.1 innings of work. Wentz also is coming off a no-decision against the Mets, where he allowed five earned runs over nine hits.

2. Tuesday: 6:10PM RHP Michael Lorenzen vs. RHP Shane Bieber

The last time Lorenzen faced Cleveland was with the Angels, in which he got the win in six shutout innings of work, allowing just three hits. The Tigers hope to get Bieber early. In his last start against Detroit back on August 9th, he shut out the Tigers, allowing four hits over seven innings of work and striking out eight.

3. Wednesday: 1:10PM LHP Eduardo Rodriguez vs. RHP Peyton Battenfield

Rodriguez's last start against Cleveland was one of the best in his career, and he looks to repeat the same performance. He is 1-0 over his previous three starts in Cleveland, which was a pair of no decisions while he was in Boston.

Detroit Tigers youngsters Greene and Torkelson have some fun.

Both Spencer Torkelson and Riley Greene have been enjoying a good stretch of baseball. Torkelson went 5-for-14 against the Cardinals, including a home run and a double. His single on Saturday helped the Detroit Tigers get within a run.

As Tyler Kotila highlighted in his earlier article, Riley Greene consistently delivers results recently. While his 10-game hitting streak ended Sunday, Greene managed a 15-for-44 performance in that 11-game span, boasting a slash line of .341/.370/.455 and an OPS of .824. His defensive skills also made a significant impact over the weekend.

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