The Detroit Tigers (20-22, 24-18 RL, 20-20-2 O/U) battle the Washington Nationals (18-27, 28-17 RL, 19-23-2 O/U) in the last of a three-game interleague series on Sunday afternoon. The Tigers will send Joey Wentz to the hill. The Nationals will reply with Josiah Gray. The Tigers recorded an 8-6 win on Friday.
The Tigers will have Joey Wentz on the hill to conclude the series. Wentz struggled in his previous start, squandering three runs in only 2.2 innings pitched against the Mariners, and was able to escape with a no-decision in a game the Tigers won. The young starter has posted a few encouraging performances but has struggled more often than not and has a 6.38 ERA and a 1.45 WHIP accompanied by a 1-3 record in 36.2 innings pitched on the season. This is his first career encounter against the Nationals.
Detroit had a disastrous opening few weeks of the season but has displayed encouraging results since. They have won three series this month highlighted by a sweep of the Mets and are only three games out of first place in the AL Central. They posted one win in two meetings with the Pirates prior to this series.
This must be the Me tro because the Greene Line is zooming. pic.twitter.com/CIztQGlufw
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) May 20, 2023
A big portion of the Tigers' rebuild depends on the development of centerfielder Riley Greene and 2020 first-overall pick Spencer Torkelson. The Tigers are encouraged by their recent play. Greene has nine RBIs accompanied by a dazzling 1.08 OPS this month and Torkelson has posted a .754 OPS so far this month. The 23-year-old now has 18 RBIs on the season.
Detroit is scoring an average of only 3.60 runs per game, ranking them 29th. The pitching staff has recorded a 4.38 team ERA, placing them 18th.