When the Detroit Tigers entered the all-star break, they were in fourth place in the AL Central and three games under .500. This wasn’t a surprise given that Detroit hasn’t had a winning season since 2016 and is still rebuilding. However, since the trade deadline, the Tigers have come roaring to life and now find themselves in the mix for the final wild-card spot. They’ve become one of the feel-good stories of the season.
It Was Looking Like Another Lost Season
Embed from Getty ImagesIt has been a while since Detroit Tiger fans have been able to truly cheer. They’ve spent the past nine years rebuilding and haven’t had a winning season since 2016. It has also been ten years since postseason baseball was last seen in the Motor City. Owner Christopher Illich has also shown that he’s not like his Daddy when spending money on free agents. Given how the first half of this season went, it seemed like nothing would change again.
When the Tigers entered the all-star break, they were in fourth place in the AL Central with a record of 47-50. The only players worth watching were Tarik Skubal, Reese Olson, Jack Flaherty, Kerry Carpenter, and Riley Greene. While Skubal is a Cy Young candidate, Greene, Olson, and Carpenter all have had durability problems.
Naturally, the Tigers were sellers at the trade deadline. As expected, Jack Flaherty was traded to the Dodgers. Quality reliever Andrew Chafin was also dealt to the Texas Rangers. Ace Tarik Skubal was also in trade rumors as well. With the moves the Tigers made, it would be easy to assume that it would be another lost season for the Tigers. However, the players have the final say on what happens on the field.
The Tigers Are On A Roll
Embed from Getty ImagesSince the trade deadline, the Detroit Tigers have put up a record of 23-15. This includes having four multi-game winning streaks. They’ve also gone 9-5 in one-run games. This has helped Detroit put themselves in the mix for the final postseason spot. Thanks to Parker Meadows, Kerry Carpenter, Matt Vierling, Zach McKinstry, recent call-up Trey Sweeney, and the return of Greene and Carpenter, the Tigers’ offense has been dangerous. During this span, Detroit has been averaging 4.8 runs per game.
Despite trading Jack Flaherty, the Tigers’ pitching staff has been lights out. While Tarik Skubal has been elite this season, it’s been their unorthodox pitching strategy that has also got the job done. While primarily using an opener, Detroit’s pitching staff has compiled an ERA of 3.06 and opponents are only hitting .206 against them.
Catching The Twins Is Possible
Embed from Getty ImagesThanks to their recent late-season success and the Minnesota Twins’ struggles, the Tigers are currently in the mix for the final wild-card spot. Only three games separate the Tigers from a spot in the postseason. With 17 games left in the regular season, given how badly Minnesota has struggled, and how great the Tigers have played, Detroit can easily catch them.
Tiger Fans Finally Have Something To Be Excited About
Embed from Getty ImagesDespite being sellers at the trade deadline, the Detroit Tigers are currently in the postseason mix. Their offense and pitching staff have been playing at an elite level late in the season. Only three games separate them from the final wild-card spot. It has been ten years since postseason baseball was seen in Motown and this team is hungry. Given how the Twins struggled in the second half, Detroit catching them isn’t farfetched. Tiger fans have plenty to be excited about right now.
For more on baseball, check out Belly Up Sports and follow Eric on Twitter/X. Featured images: Getty Images
