The Detroit Tigers have dusted themselves off after a tough opening series against the defending Champs, where they were overpowered by their start studded lineup and dynamic pitching staff. They have since then won the next two series despite being riddled with injuries. Next we will look at some early takeaways after the first 3 series of action.

Tough Decisions Up Ahead

Beyond the inevitable call down of Kreidler when either Gleyber Torres or  Matt Vierling return. The Tigers will be faced with a decision of whom else out of the position players will be sent down. Justyn-Henry Malloy was sent down to start the year but has held his own well at the top of the lineup, since being called up in place of Gleyber Torres. He has done an excellent job manufacturing professional at-bats, and setting the table for the middle of the lineup. His lack of defensive versatility could still make him the odd man out, especially with Spencer Torkelson playing so well, and manning the same positions he plays. Players like Andy Ibanez and Colt Keith have gotten off to slow starts and could also be looked at as options to be sent down. Things could get even spicier in the future, when Wenceel Perez and Parker Meadows come off the IL.

Spencer Torkelson is Back!!

Nearly the entire fanbase had given up on him and the likelihood he would start the year in AAA or trade for the highest bid were looking very likely. Albeit a very small sample size consisting of Spring Training and 8 games of the Regular Season it appears Torkelson is primed for a breakout year. Torkelson currently boast a scorching hot slash line of .324/.439/.618, and an OPS of 1.057. Most importantly he is hitting .333 with runners in scoring position. Spencer would send the White Sox home with a loss on Sunday Afternoon. Clearing the bases with a game winning double in the 9th inning.

Comeback complete!

The @Tigers score 3 in the 9th as Spencer Torkelson delivers the walk-off RBI. pic.twitter.com/e0WPyiWCno

— MLB (@MLB) April 6, 2025

Bats are Ahead of the Pitching

The mindset going into the season was that pitching would have to shoulder the load, and keep the team in games as they did a lot last year. Due to the lack of moves made in the offseason to improve the lineup, and not to mention 4 starters/rotational hitters beginning the season on the IL. Thus far, the bats have held up their end of the bargain and some, leaving the pitching staff behind trying to keep pace. Although the pitching staff ranks middle of the pack in ERA, they’ve given up far too much hard contact, and have not dominated the strike-zone the way they would’ve liked. This is no wonder considering their Ace and former Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal has had two rocky outings to start the year. On the other hand, the offense has faired very well. Even against two top pitching staffs in LA and Seattle. The hitters have done an excellent job of working counts when necessary and finding appropriate times to be aggressive early in counts, and early in the game. The team ranks at the top of the league in first innings runs as well pitches per plate appearance.

The Detroit Tigers currently sit atop the Central Division with a 5-4 record and look to keep things rolling against the 2024 AL Champs New York Yankees.