Detroit Tigers Links: Justin Verlander’s MRI was nothing to worry about

After a well-played series against the Chicago White Sox that was capped off by a walk-off home run by Justin Upon, the Tigers look to continue their hot streak as they face the Los Angeles Angels in a three game series. Daniel Norris will take the mound and is opposing Jesse Chavez. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET at Comerica Park.

Even if the Tigers sweep that series, the best news to come out of Detroit this week will still be the fact that Justin Verlander had a clean MRI after leaving the game early on Sunday with groin tightness. He will be re-evaluated later this week, according to MLB.com.

If you’re curious as to who might be a good fit in the upcoming amateur draft, Brandon writes why right-handed pitcher Alex Lange may be just right for the Tigers. You can catch-up on the Tigers’ farm system with the latest updates from Sunday. Speaking of farm system, the Tigers Triple-A affiliate, the Toledo Mud Hens, are honoring the Dream Team’s 25^th anniversary with retro uniforms.

Matt Boyd made his first start with the Mud Hens after being sent down. He pitched 6 ¹⁄₃ innings and gave up three runs. Boyd walked four batters and allowed five hits, but he also struck out six. Tony Paul of The Detroit News talks about how the bullpen woes through the years have been mainly bad timing, bad luck and bad choices. The Tigers are inching back closer to the top of the AL Central division standings. If you’re wondering how the rest of the division is doing, check out the latest installment of Central Intelligence.

Elsewhere in MLB

The Texas Rangers are nearing a deal to send away Sam Dyson, who was recently designated for assignment. The Rangers’ division rival, the Houston Astros, continued their hot streak, winning their 11^th straight game. Jeff Samardzija struck out 10 and retired 19 batters in row during his start against the Milwaukee Brewers to help the San Francisco Giants secure a late victory.

During his ninth start of the season, Clayton Kershaw resumed experimenting with his arm slot as he continues to fool hitters with unbelievable stuff. A man-made a venture into his aunt’s attic and found a collection of baseball cards worth $1 million. Talk about a nice surprise. Young New York Yankees starter Luis Severino is having a breakout season which is due in part to an uptick in velocity difference between his fastball and secondary pitches.

For your free time

Mike Petriello dives into the ‘Air Ball Revolution’ and which players are really increasing their hard-hit fly ball rates. ESPN’s Buster Olney give his opinion on whether the obsession with launch angles is helping or hurting hitters. Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda was not going to let the fact that he had surgery 11 days ago stop him from seeing the series opener between the Los Angles Dogers and the Washington Nationals.

FanGraphs’ Eno Sarris uses Blake Treinen as an example of how pitching in the eighth inning could actually be different than pitching in the ninth inning. Arizona Diamondbacks legend Luis Gonazalez recused a woman from a vehicle that caught fire after a head-on crash.

Ian Kinsler and his kids having some fun on Play Ball Weekend

Brewers’ outfielder Brett Phillips shows off a cannon during his MLB debut