03-24-2024 MLB Preview - Flipbook - Page 22
MLB ’24 AL CENTRAL PREVIEW DETROIT TIGERS
Sunday, March 24, 2024 22
2023: 78-84, second place | Manager: A.J. Hinch (fourth season) | Opening Day: March 28 at Chicago White Sox
OVERVIEW
TOP HITTERS
DH Kerry Carpenter (.278, 20 HRs, 64 RBIs, .811 OPS), 1B
Spencer Torkelson (.233, 31, 94), RF Riley Greene (.288, 11,
31, .796 OPS).
ONE TO WATCH
LH Tarik Skubal
(7-3, 2.80 ERA)
PROJECTED ROTATION
RH Kenta Maeda (6-8, 4.23 with Twins), RH Jack Flaherty
(8-9, 4.99 with Orioles and Cardinals), RH Reese Olson (57, 3.99), RH Casey Mize (7-13, 4.29 in career; hasn’t pitched
since April 2022) or RH Matt Manning (5-4, 3.58).
KEY RELIEVERS
RH Alex Lange (7-5, 3.68 ERA, 26/32 saves), RH Jason Foley
(3-3, 2.61), RH Shelby Miller (3-0, 1.71 with Dodgers), LH
Andrew Chafin (3-4, 4.73 with Diamondbacks and
Brewers).
OUTLOOK
The Tigers seem to have a shot to make
the playoffs for the first time since
2014, potentially taking advantage of a relatively weak division and an improved team.
Detroit will lean on Tarik
Skubal to anchor what could
be a solid rotation with Maeda and Flaherty added to replace Eduardo Rodriguez and
Michael Lorenzen. The health of
Mize, the No. 1 overall draft pick
in 2018, and Urshela, coming back
from a broken pelvis, may prove to
be pivotal. Torkelson, the top pick
in 2022, will have a chance to be
a designated hitter more often
with Cabrera’s retirement.
The franchise is trying to be
patient with underperforming shortstop Javier Báez,
who enters the third season
of a $140 million, six-year
contract, after his .593 OPS
in 2023 was the second-lowest of his career.
— Associated Press
KEVIN C. COX/
GETTY
HE’S HERE
RHP Kenta Maeda, RHP Jack Flaherty, RHP Shelby Miller, LHP Andrew Chafin, OF Mark Canha,
3B Gio Urshela, 2B Colt Keith.
HE’S OUTTA HERE
DH Miguel Cabrera (left), LHP Eduardo Rodriguez, RHP Michael Lorenzen, C Eric Haase, INF Nick Maton.
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