Close Article Return to stream X
MLB •

5 Reasons Why Detroit Tigers Are Still In The Race

+Read full article

Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Sitting in third place in the AL Central with a record of 38-36, it is fair to say that the Detroit Tigers are not where most fans hoped that they would be at this point. However, while the Tigers may be six games behind the Kansas City Royals in the Central, they are only 1.5 games out of the AL Wild Card. On that note, here are five reasons to further illustrate why the Tigers are not out of the race just yet.

Sitting in third place in the AL Central with a record of 38-36, it is fair to say that the Detroit Tigers are not where most fans hoped that they would be at this point. However, while the Tigers may be six games behind the Kansas City Royals in the Central, they are only 1.5 games out of the AL Wild Card. On that note, here are five reasons to further illustrate why the Tigers are not out of the race just yet.

5. Return Of Injured Players

5. Return Of Injured Players Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
With Justin Verlander, Victor Martinez and Bruce Rondon all off of the DL now, the Tigers have been given a major boost. The Tigers should also have Alex Avila back before too long, which will help them against right-handed pitching.

With Justin Verlander, Victor Martinez and Bruce Rondon all off of the DL now, the Tigers have been given a major boost. The Tigers should also have Alex Avila back before too long, which will help them against right-handed pitching.

4. Powerhouse Offense

4. Powerhouse Offense Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Although the Tigers' offense has gone quiet on more than one occasion this year, they still have one of the most intimidating lineups in MLB. With guys such as Miguel Cabrera, Yoenis Cespedes, J.D. Martinez and V-Mart, this team can be quite scary when everything is going well. The Tigers are currently tied with the New York Yankees for second in the AL with a 108 wRC+.

Although the Tigers' offense has gone quiet on more than one occasion this year, they still have one of the most intimidating lineups in MLB. With guys such as Miguel Cabrera, Yoenis Cespedes, J.D. Martinez and V-Mart, this team can be quite scary when everything is going well. The Tigers are currently tied with the New York Yankees for second in the AL with a 108 wRC+.

3. Defense

3. Defense Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
In sharp contract to recent years, the Tigers have a spectacular defense this season. The return of Jose Iglesias and the additions of Cespedes and Anthony Gose have done wonders for this team. At the end of the day, pitching and defense wins games. The Tigers may have issues with their pitching, but they have plenty of defense.

In sharp contract to recent years, the Tigers have a spectacular defense this season. The return of Jose Iglesias and the additions of Cespedes and Anthony Gose have done wonders for this team. At the end of the day, pitching and defense wins games. The Tigers may have issues with their pitching, but they have plenty of defense.

2. Trade Deadline Approaching

2. Trade Deadline Approaching Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Although some have suggested that the Tigers would be wise to become sellers this summer, it would be quite surprising to see them throw in the towel unless things really start to go downhill over the next couple of weeks. If they decide to be buyers once again, there are a lot of attractive names out there right now. A starting pitcher of Johnny Cueto's caliber may seem like a bit of a longshot, but it is hard to guess what GM Dave Dombrowski may have up his sleeve.

Although some have suggested that the Tigers would be wise to become sellers this summer, it would be quite surprising to see them throw in the towel unless things really start to go downhill over the next couple of weeks. If they decide to be buyers once again, there are a lot of attractive names out there right now. A starting pitcher of Johnny Cueto's caliber may seem like a bit of a longshot, but it is hard to guess what GM Dave Dombrowski may have up his sleeve.

1. Quite A Few Games Left Against The Twins and Royals

1. Quite A Few Games Left Against The Twins and Royals Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
With 10 games left against the Minnesota Twins and 12 remaining against the Royals, the Tigers will have plenty of chances to make up ground on these two teams that they currently trail. Playing well against Minnesota and Kansas City will obviously be crucial for the Tigers down the stretch.

With 10 games left against the Minnesota Twins and 12 remaining against the Royals, the Tigers will have plenty of chances to make up ground on these two teams that they currently trail. Playing well against Minnesota and Kansas City will obviously be crucial for the Tigers down the stretch.

Brad Faber is a writer for RantSports. Like him on Facebook.
Your Favorites
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
MLB• Videos•

Watch Justin Upton's Mammoth First Home Run For Detroit

Justin Upton went the first week of the season without a home run, but his first as a Detroit Tiger on Tuesday afternoon will be memorable for how far it went.

Comment 0 Comments