Detroit Tigers Links: The boys are back in town

It was another boring off-day for the Tigers on Monday, but that just means we’re one step closer to a healthy JD, Cabrera and Iglesias which is always good news. Today the Tigers are back as they take on the Seattle Mariners kicking off a three game series in Detroit. Jordan Zimmermann takes the mound to oppose Felix Hernandez at 7:10pm EST. Felix makes his first start at Comerica Park since the Tigers snapped his record setting streak of fifteen starts with a minimum of seven innings pitched and a maximum of two earned runs back in 2014.

With the lineup depleted, the task ahead over the 10-game homestand will simply be to hold serve. Even going 5-5 should be considered a real win, as the lineup is going to be Mud Hens rich for the next week. Of course, those guys did their share of damage on Sunday as the Tigers beat up on the Minnesota Twins. The key for the Tigers is a more consistent turn through the rotation than we’ve seen thus far. The Seattle Mariners are scuffling out west, but they do send Felix Hernandez and James Paxton to the bump in games one and two of the series. Take two, hopefully feast on the White Sox, and then settle in for a big four-game series against the Cleveland Indians next week.

Meanwhile, you can catch up on the updates in the Tigers minor league system. The West Michigan Whitecaps rode a nine strikeout performance from Austin Sodders for a victory. Find out how the American League Central is looking three weeks in with the latest installment of Central Intelligence. Jeff details how the Tigers’ approach of opposite field hard hitting hasn’t paid off just yet. Matt Boyd was fined for his role in Saturday’s scuffle at Target field, while Miguel Sano was suspended for a game for his participation in the events, Sano is appealing his suspension. Jason Beck of MLB.com lets us know what we’re all thinking, the Tigers’ lineup needs more from Victor Martinez.

Around the league

Travis Sawchik of Fangraphs.com writes a terrific article about the new generation of MLB ballparks and what’s wrong with their design. Yonder Alonso writes a letter to his younger self for The Players Tribune. The Cubs’ shortstop Addison Russell is taking a unique approach to collecting Pokémon cards. Eric Thames of the Milwaukee Brewers is back at it again, hitting two home runs against the Cincinnati Reds last night.

If you like watching guys get gunned out at the plate from the outfield, Yasiel Puig and Cut4 have you covered. The MLB can add another name to the 100mph club and his name is Ariel Hernandez, if you’ve never heard of him it’s because he just made his major league debut yesterday and he didn’t disappoint the Reds even though they had a rough game. Also Orioles’ outfielder Adam Jones passes a huge milestone as he records his 1,500^th hit of his career.

Finally, Matt Barnes of the Boston Red Sox was suspended just four games for throwing at Manny Machado on Sunday. I think many expected a much stiffer penalty. The one who is really taking a beating over all this, is Red Sox’ second baseman Dustin Pedroia.

Having good reflexes is definitely a must for a pitcher

Does he at least receive any extra points for sticking the landing?

Puig your lawman