DETROIT – After a tough series in Cleveland, the Tigers’ magic number remains at 7, and Cleveland has cut their deficit down to only 3.5 games back in the AL central. The Atlanta series is a must-win for Detroit. Here is a look ahead at the upcoming series with the Braves.
The Braves have won five in a row of their last ten games, most recently sweeping the Washington Nationals in a four-game series. They outscored the struggling Nationals 31-10.
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Game 1: Charlie Morton (9-10, 5.56 ERA) vs. Bryce Elder (7-10, 5.56 ERA)
Charlie Morton struggled with command in his last start against the Marlins, throwing 76 pitches and only 42 for strikes. He walked four in four innings and surrendered two earned runs. The Tigers could use a couple more innings out of Morton, and more strikes.
As for Bryce Elder, he struggled in his last start as well. He threw only 4.1 innings against the Astros, walked three, and surrendered six earned runs. He depends primarily on his sinker and his slider, inducing close to 50% ground balls.
Game 2: Keider Montero (5-3, 4.32 ERA) vs. Joey Wentz (5-6, 5.56 ERA)
Keider Montero had an excellent start his last outing in Miami. He tossed five scoreless innings, striking out five. His command looked great, and his four-seam fastball looked excellent, inducing four whiffs along with his slider.
Our old friend Joey Wentz will toe the rubber for Atlanta in game two. His last outing was against the Astros, and he pitched four innings, surrendering two runs and striking out five.
Game 3: Casey Mize (14-5, 3.88 ERA) vs. Spencer Strider (6-13, 4.64 ERA)
During Mize’s last start in the Cleveland series, he pitched 5.1 innings and gave up three earned runs, striking out eight batters. His splitter looked impeccable and got plenty of swing-and-miss. Command of his fastball and splitter are the keys to success for Mize.
Spencer Strider made his last start against the Nationals and dazzled. He had a quality start, tossing seven innings and only surrendering one earned run. He commanded his fastball very well, working the top of the zone, and also got plenty of swing-and-miss on his slider.
One of the Tigers’ biggest struggles in the Cleveland series was hitting with runners in scoring position. They went 3-for-21 with runners in scoring position the entire series, stranding 22 total runners.
The Guardians start a four-game series with the Twins tonight as well. The Twins are 4-6 in their last ten games. The last time the clubs met back in August, the Guardians won the series.