Max Scherzer, Max Scherzer, Max Scherzer. Why do you do this to us?
We can understand when you lose to Minnesota. Maybe not by giving up 10 runs, but hey, at least the Twins have a pretty fearsome offense.
But the Indians? Really?
He flirted with disaster, didn't put batters away, pitched unexceptionally and the Indians made him pay. What else can you really say?
But if you're trying to read the tea leaves on Scherzer -- and why else would you be reading a blog for a recap if you weren't hoping for some sort of analysis? -- his fastball got up to 95.2 miles per hour today and his average was in the 93s. This marks a nice improvement over his last start. Four of the hits he gave up were down in the strike zone, so you'd expect a bit better results than he got. I think he's coming around.
He felt better about the start, telling MLB.com:
"I had better mechanics today, that extra day was able to get two [bullpen sessions] in," Scherzer said. "I think I was able to locate the ball a little better today. To me, I thought I had a much better slider and changeup compared to last outing."
and Jim Leyland added:
"He's got to continue to work at it, continue to get better, but I thought he was a little better. They did nickel and dime him that one inning for a couple of runs."
At this point, the Tigers have three pitchers getting nickled and dimed every game. That has to turn around a bit right?
I don't know. We'll see.
Bullets:
- Austin Jackson extended his hitting streak to around a billion games. Actually 10. He also got on base for the 25th consecutive game.
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Johnny Damon should really not put himself in the position of ever needing to throw the ball. Especially when he's ranging towards left-center and Jackson is lining himself up to make a throw. Call him off next time, Austin, for everyone's benefit.
- Tigers' win streak against the Indians ended at 10.
Site note:
- I added links to Fangraphs for each player on the Tigers' roster. Mostly as a time saver for me, but you might enjoy poking around there too.