Getting swept in three straight games at Kansas City sets a different tone for the Tigers as they embark on a 3-game series against the American League Central-leading Chicago White Sox this weekend at Comerica Park.
Instead of playing to grab control of the AL Central race, they are essentially playing to stay in it. Ditto for the AL wild card fight. The Tigers are three games back in both areas of the standings. Even with a sweep, they will only be tied with the White Sox coming out of this weekend.
A sweep either way is unlikely, but the key for the Tigers is to gain a game, not lose one. The schedule is starting to dwindle. There are just 32 games remaining. Making up four games with 32 left is hardly impossible, but difficult. It's certainly more dicey than two.
There is no magic explanation detailing the Tigers troubles in KC. They had 12 hits and one run in a 2-1 loss Thursday. They didn't get a big hit. The Tigers are amazingly streaky with runners in scoring position. It's all or nothing. It's usually predicated by whether they are at home or on the road (the Tigers' 30-35 road record, frankly, is not worthy of a contending team). Miguel Cabrera did not have a good series. After Game 1 of the series, there was magic from the rest of the lineup.
They pitched just well enough to lose on Tuesday, and literally did nothing offensively after that.
The good part is the Tigers have their best pitchers going in this series. Of course, a lot will depend on tonight's starter Doug Fister, who has not started in two weeks because of a groin injury. The concern isn't only about his health, but whether he will be sharp after a layoff. Sometimes it takes taller pitchers a start or two (Fister is 6-8) to groove their mechanics after missing time. That was the case when Fister came off the disabled list earlier this season. Saturday and Sunday, the White Sox figure to see the Tigers at their best with Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander pitching. My best guess is Verlander will bounce back strongly against the White Sox on Sunday.