The Detroit Tigers are off to their best start in a decade, and it’s time we sit up and take notice. This isn’t just a fluke. They have found their stride in the hitting apartment and also in the extraordinary starting pitching. The Detroit Tigers are back, baby.
Detroit is above .500 at the beginning of May for the first time since starting the 2016 season 13-10. This is a significant achievement, considering the struggles the team has faced in recent years. It’s a testament to the hard work of the players, the brand-new coaching staff, and the development of the younger players in the minor leagues. Here are two things that the Tigers have done that have completely changed the franchise for the better.
Pitching Staff
The pitching has always been a strong point for the Tigers, as they are known to develop pitchers at a high level. Examples include Casy Mize, Tarik Skubal, and Reese Olsen. The Detroit Tigers pitching staff has been in the top five for power rankings according to MLB.com for the whole year. However, it’s not just been the starting pitching; it’s been the bullpen as well. They have shown to be a shut-down bullpen full of guys that can end the game in an inning.
Young Players
I’m still going to consider Riley Green and Spencer Torkelson as young guys as they’ve only had one year of MLB experience. Riley has torn it up so far he’s hitting .257 with 7 homers, and 15 RBIs. Torkelson has struggled so far however, he’s hitting .219, with only 11 RBIs. The real bright spot has been Wenceel Perez, the man is hitting .297 with 3 home runs in only 40 at-bats.
Of course, every team faces its share of challenges, and the Tigers are no exception. There are questions about whether struggling starters like Spencer Torkelson, Parker Meadows, and Colt Keith should be sent to the minor leagues or given more time to find their form. These are tough decisions that the team management will need to make in the coming weeks.
As of right now, let’s celebrate the Tigers’ impressive start to the season. The Detroit Tigers are here to compete, not just for a good season but for a season to go for the conference championship and a playoff birth for the first time since 2014. There is still work to do though as of right now the Tigers are 18-13, and they will go to the Bronx to play a three-game series against the Yankees.
