Reds vs. Tigers: Pitching preview, prediction, and more

The Reds are hopeful to keep the Tigers’ offense caged.

Much like Berry Gordy and Motown Records, hits are hard to come by for the Detroit Tigers. Entering play yesterday, the Tigers offensive unit is slashing .241/.306/.398, which is below the .244/.315/.412 American League average across the board.

An area in which the Tigers truly struggle is hitting the long ball. Their 153 round-trippers are the third-fewest in the AL. Only left fielder Robbie Grossman has topped the 20 homer mark on the season. However, 80 of the club’s home runs have come outside spacious Comerica Park.

In his 14th season in the Motor City, Miguel Cabrera is not quite enjoying the season as his living legend counterpart Joey Votto. The Tigers’ 38-year-old DH is slashing a pedestrian .250/.315/.394 with 15 homers, and 61 RBIs in his 19th big league campaign.

Even though the Tigers pitching staff’s average age of 27.4 is the second youngest in the American League, the future appears bright in the Motor City. The Tiger rotation has put together a solid second half of the season.

As play began yesterday, Detroit starters have compiled a post-All-Star break ERA of 4.07 in 43 games, including an impressive 3.76 mark in August. In addition, the Tigers bullpen has been exceptional of late as well, notching a 3.31 ERA last month.

However, once the young Detroit staff leaves cavernous Comerica Park, the results are underwhelming. The Tigers have been tagged for a 5.07 ERA and a ridiculously high 1.41 WHIP when they leave the Motor City.