Detroit Tigers Links: All aboard the Joe Jimenez bandwagon

Early Monday morning, the Detroit Tigers called up Joe Jimenez. It was a somewhat surprising move, at least this early in the season. This no-nonsense approach has Jimenez replacing Bruce Rondon, as he was sent back down to the minors. The Tigers want Bruce to work on his physical shape and his command. Joe Jimenez talked more about his call up and how he still doesn’t believe it has happened. This whirlwind all happened prior to the Tigers’ home opening series finale with Boston. The Tigers went on to win the game with some late game heroics by Nick Castellanos. Justin Verlander and his curveball also contributed greatly to the victory yesterday.

Ian Kinsler teamed up with Detroit-native Jack White to create some custom walk-up music. As Kinsler’s 35th birthday approaches, Kurt reminds us why we should appreciate him and his abilities.

The Tigers take on the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday. Matt Boyd is scheduled to start for the Tigers. He’s set to take on Hector Santiago in the opening game of the three game series. All three games are set to start at 1:10pm EST.

What happening in the AL Central?

The Kansas City Royals honored Yordano Ventura prior to their home opener after he passed away during the offseason. The Cleveland Indians were swept by the Arizona Diamondbacks in their second series of the season. The Minnesota Twins are in first place.

Around the League

Michael Pineda of the New York Yankees flirted with a perfect game in his start against the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday. The Yankees did get some bad news in that catcher Gary Sanchez is out for four weeks with strained biceps. Injuries seem to be hitting star players in bunches this week, as Washington Nationals shortstop Trea Turner is also hitting the disabled list with a hamstring injury. If you saw the Tigers-Red Sox game on Sunday it may not surprise you that Jackie Bradley Jr. is also going to spend some time on the DL after injuring his knee in that ninth inning fall. Not only are injuries hitting the Red Sox, but so is the flu. The Sox have even fumigated their clubhouse. Giants catcher Buster Posey might also see the DL after he took a pitch off the helmet on Monday.

It wasn’t all bad news on Monday, though. The Chicago Cubs were able to raise their World Series championship banner in their home opener, which saw Anthony Rizzo hit a walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth. Red Sox starter David Price was able to throw 20 pitches in a bullpen session at Comerica Park on Monday and is slowly approaching a simulated game or rehab assignment. The New York Mets’ doctors found nothing wrong with young starter Steven Matz, which is frustrating the Mets organization. San Diego Padres star Wil Myers hits for the cycle. The Seattle Mariners have toasted grasshoppers for sale as a concession item, and it sold out during their home opener. This isn’t the biggest story out of Seattle on Monday; it was James Paxton’s seven inning gem that led them to a victory over division rival Houston Astros.

Nick Castellanos’ first home run

Noah Sydergaard likes to have fun