The Detroit Tigers wrap up their road trip with a 3-game series against the first-place Minnesota Twins in Minnesota. The Tigers are in 4th place in the AL Central Division just ahead of last place Kansas City. The Twins start the week with just a one-game lead in the AL Central Division and will look to build their lead against the lowly Tigers. On the mound on Tuesday night will be youngster Matt Manning (0-0, 2.25) of the Tigers taking on veteran righty Chris Archer (2-5, 4.05) of the Twins. First pitch is scheduled for 840pm EST.
The Tigers are far removed from the proud franchise that was a consistent contender throughout the 60s, 70s, 80s and even the early to mid 2010s. As this season pushes into August, it is apparent that the 2022 season is once again a lost season. The next line of business for Detroit will be decisions on a number of key veterans and whether or not the team should move on from them to help strengthen the rebuild. The Tigers have some veteran everyday players that could be useful for playoff contenders and there has even been speculation that the Tigers most consistent starter this season, lefty Tyrik Skubal, could be available for the right price. On Monday night, Skubal took the hill for the Tigers and put the Tigers in position to win with 5.1 shutout innings. Up 2-0 in the 8th, the Tigers gave up two runs to tie the game. After taking the lead in the 10th, the Tigers allowed a one-0ut RBI single to tie and then a 2-run walk-off home run fo r the 5-3 loss.
Final. pic.twitter.com/am2RPRq4T2
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) July 31, 2022
Over the past ten games heading into this week, the Tigers have gone 3-7 and an even worse 5-15 over the team's last 20 games. This preceded an 8-2 stretch that was the Tigers best of the season but the team seems to have played back down to its level. The Tigers are hitting just .218 over their last 20 games and are averaging just over 3 runs per contest during that span, which is more in line with their season averages. On the mound on Tuesday night will be 24-year old right-hander Matt Manning. Manning is returning from the 60-day IL and has not pitched since leaving a start way back in April. Expect the Tigers to be careful with the youngster in this start and he may not go more than four to five innings and certainly will be on a pitch count.