Cleveland heads to Detroit looking to keep their slim playoff hopes alive, while the Tigers look to put the AL Central Division title on ice.
Usually, at this point, I give you the season stats for each team. However, today, we are going to give you the stats for each team since the last time the two of them played on July 6th. The Tigers, until that point, were a MUCH superior team, but things have changed, somewhat, which may or may not be illustrative.
The Guardians are 78-71, but 38-23 since July
7th. They have an overall run differential of -31. Since July 7th, they are 27th in team wRC+ at 89, fourth in baserunning runs above average at 4.2, sixth in Defense at 0.2, 11th in starting pitcher ERA at 3.93, and first in bullpen ERA at 2.93.
The Tigers are 85-65, but 28-31 since July 7th. They have an overall run differential of +95. Since July 7th, they are 18th in team wRC+ at 100, sixth in baserunning runs above average at 3.2, 16th in defense at -6.2, 20th in starting pitcher ERA at 4.67, and 19th in bullpen ERA at 4.52.
So, I hope you can see that there is a path IF a few of Cleveland’s hitters can have a good final two weeks, for the Guardians to make the Tigers sweat for the division title… that has proven to be a big IF this season, however.
Matchups:
Tuesday, 6:40PM EDT: Joey Cantillo, LHP, 3.36 ERA vs. Casey Mize, RHP, 3.83 ERA
Wednesday, 6:40PM EDT: Probably Gavin Williams, RHP, 3.16 ERA vs. Jack Flaherty, RHP, 4.69 ERA
Thursday, 1:10PM EDT: Probably Tanner Bibee, RHP, 4.44 ERA vs. Tarik Skubal, LHP, 2.26 ERA
I will be interested to see if the Guardians can find a way to hit the bad version of Jack Flaherty as he has looked untouchable against them the past few seasons. Also, seems like one or two of David Fry, Angel Martinez and Jhonkensy Noel will need to find a way to do something vs. Skubal to get that third game.
Jose Ramirez at 129 wRC+, Kyle Manzardo at 117 wRC+, Steven Kwan at 99 wRC+ and CJ Kayfus at 92 wRC+ lead the Guardians.
Jahmai Jones at 147 wRC+, Riley Greene at 125 wRC+, Kerry Carpenter at 120 wRC+, Wenceel Perez at 116 wRC+, Spencer Torkelson at 115 wRC+, Zach McKinstry at 115 wRC+, Gleyber Torres at 114 wRC+, Dillon Dingler at 110 wRC+, and Colt Keith at 105 wRC+ lead the Tigers.
Hey, here are through the middle of September and the Guardians are playing well and playing meaningful games. Enjoy it!
