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5 Things We Learned From Detroit Tigers During First Quarter Of 2015 MLB Season

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Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
With less than two weeks left to go in the month of May, the Detroit Tigers currently find themselves in second place in the AL Central, trailing the Kansas City Royals by 2.5 games. Here are five things we have learned from the 2015 Tigers up to this point.

With less than two weeks left to go in the month of May, the Detroit Tigers currently find themselves in second place in the AL Central, trailing the Kansas City Royals by 2.5 games. Here are five things we have learned from the 2015 Tigers up to this point.

5. Jose Iglesias Is The Real Deal

5. Jose Iglesias Is The Real Deal Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
After missing the entire 2014 season, Jose Iglesias has done nothing but impress upon his return to the Tigers. In many ways, Iglesias' defense has been even better than what fans remembered from 2013, and he is currently hitting .339/.398/.438. The 25-year-old shortstop is certainly looking like the real deal.

After missing the entire 2014 season, Jose Iglesias has done nothing but impress upon his return to the Tigers. In many ways, Iglesias' defense has been even better than what fans remembered from 2013, and he is currently hitting .339/.398/.438. The 25-year-old shortstop is certainly looking like the real deal.

4. Victor Martinez Should Have Been On The DL Weeks Ago

4. Victor Martinez Should Have Been On The DL Weeks Ago Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
On Tuesday, the Tigers decided to place designated hitter Victor Martinez on the 15-day DL with left knee inflammation. Martinez had surgery on that knee over the offseason, and he hasn't been himself all year. While the 36-year-old switch-hitter was still doing damage as a right-handed batter, he was really scuffling from the left side, hitting only .141 with a .395 OPS. He probably should have been on the DL much sooner than now.

On Tuesday, the Tigers decided to place designated hitter Victor Martinez on the 15-day DL with left knee inflammation. Martinez had surgery on that knee over the offseason, and he hasn't been himself all year. While the 36-year-old switch-hitter was still doing damage as a right-handed batter, he was really scuffling from the left side, hitting only .141 with a .395 OPS. He probably should have been on the DL much sooner than now.

3. Bullpen May No Longer Be The Culprit

3. Bullpen May No Longer Be The Culprit Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
It is hardly a secret that the Tigers' bullpen has long been their Achilles' heel. Last year, they had a 4.29 ERA, which was the fourth-worst mark in MLB. So far this year, however, Tigers relievers rank seventh with a 2.89 ERA. In May, they astonishingly rank first in the game with a 1.35 ERA.

It is hardly a secret that the Tigers' bullpen has long been their Achilles' heel. Last year, they had a 4.29 ERA, which was the fourth-worst mark in MLB. So far this year, however, Tigers relievers rank seventh with a 2.89 ERA. In May, they astonishingly rank first in the game with a 1.35 ERA.

2. Starting Rotation Has Issues

2. Starting Rotation Has Issues Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
In sharp contrast to recent years, the Tigers' starting rotation has been a bit of an issue this season. Tigers starters currently have a 4.12 ERA, and unless David Price can get on a serious roll or Justin Verlander provides a major spark upon his return, it may be time to start thinking about trading for another starting pitcher. With names such as Scott Kazmir, Johnny Cueto and Cole Hamels already being floated out there, Detroit should have plenty of options.

In sharp contrast to recent years, the Tigers' starting rotation has been a bit of an issue this season. Tigers starters currently have a 4.12 ERA, and unless David Price can get on a serious roll or Justin Verlander provides a major spark upon his return, it may be time to start thinking about trading for another starting pitcher. With names such as Scott Kazmir, Johnny Cueto and Cole Hamels already being floated out there, Detroit should have plenty of options.

1. Road To AL Central Title Going To Be As Tough As Expected

1. Road To AL Central Title Going To Be As Tough As Expected Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Heading into the 2015 season, it was almost universally agreed that the AL Central was going to be a vastly improved division. While the Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Indians haven't performed as well as most thought they would, the Minnesota Twins and defending AL Champion Royals have been playing great baseball. It is looking like the Tigers are going to have to battle this year in order to win their fifth consecutive AL Central crown.

Heading into the 2015 season, it was almost universally agreed that the AL Central was going to be a vastly improved division. While the Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Indians haven't performed as well as most thought they would, the Minnesota Twins and defending AL Champion Royals have been playing great baseball. It is looking like the Tigers are going to have to battle this year in order to win their fifth consecutive AL Central crown.

Brad Faber is a writer for RantSports. Like him on Facebook.
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