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Happy Independence Day everyone, I hope you’re having a safe, enjoyable, and patriotic holiday. Now there's nothing more American than grilling, chilling and taking in some of America’s best sport, on the most special day in America.
So take in some early afternoon baseball today as your Detroit Tigers host the San Francisco Giants at 1:10 p.m. EST. Michael Fulmer takes the mound against Matt Cain as Fulmer looks to avenge his last start after coming up just one out shy of a complete game shutout and a Maddux.
The Chicago Cubs are reportedly interested in Justin Verlander and Alex Avila. That shouldn’t be surprising considering Al Avila is listening to offers on players that can be moved. Michael Fulmer is the lone selection from the Tigers for the All-Star Game which is a week from tonight. Although he might not be able to pitch in that game as he’s currently slated to pitch this Sunday, two days before the midsummer Classic.
The Tigers agreed to terms with the number 23 ranked international prospect, Alvaro Gonzalez. In other prospect news, 2017 first round draft pick and College World Series champion, Alex Faedo expects to sign his contact with the Tigers on Wednesday according to Tony Paul of The Detroit News. In this week’s column, Kurt tells us why Brad Ausmus never stood a chance as Tigers’ manager with what he was given.
Former Tiger and current Washington National Max Scherzer was named National League pitcher of the month behind an earned run average under one and a batting average against (BAA) slightly over .100. This coming a day removed from Scherzer's 12 strikeout start where he blanked the Cardinals with only two hits and two walks over seven innings of work which helped the Nationals secure a Sunday victory. That was Scherzer’s 10th double digit strikeout game of the season.
Another former Tiger and also a current Washington National Ryan Raburn’s bloop single gave the Nats their sixth walk-off victory of the season. Red Sox veteran Dustin Pedroia showcased some unbelievable defense in their extra innings victory over the Texas Rangers last night which was started by yet another former Tiger in Rick Porcello.
The lineup for the 2017 Home Run Derby, which take place Monday, July 10, was just released and it is loaded. The lineup includes Los Angeles Dodgers youngster Cody Bellinger and Miami Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton (who won the 2016 Home Run Derby), but the most anticipated participant has to be New York Yankees rookie Aaron Judge who leads the league in home runs. If you’re watching the Futures Game this Sunday and want an in-depth scouting report on all 50 players, MLB.com has you covered.
To celebrate this fourth of July MLB is having a huge sale on their subscription to MLB.tv, through this evening the subscription is down to just $20.17 for the remainder of the season which includes the over 1,200 games that remain this season. Nolan Arendo fielded a bunt all the way on the first base side of the mound in order to record an out and prevent the runner from advancing in the Colorado Rockies five to three victory over the Cincinnati Reds yesterday.
Philadelphia Phillies’ shortstop Freddy Galvis crushed the first pitch he saw on Monday night against the Pittsburgh Pirates after being at the hospital before six in the morning alongside his wife for the birth of their second daughter. A truly special moment capped off by Galvis’ 417-foot bomb which is his longest since making his major league debut.
Ian Kinsler is ridiculous
Wait... what?
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) July 2, 2017
How?
Did he just... pic.twitter.com/nv1X6xbaRb
Max Scherzer doing Max Scherzer
Max Scherzer, 88mph Changeup Movement/Location. pic.twitter.com/dq6PRUas3Q
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 3, 2017