Detroit Tigers News: Anibal Sanchez’s return to form

Anibal is back baby!

In things I definitely did not see coming, Anibal Sanchez was once again stellar allowing no runs, striking out eight, and going six innings in his start on Thursday. He hasn’t faced the stiffest competition, but has been excellent since returning from his Toledo stint. He has posted an ERA around three and a 22/4 strikeout to walk ratio. Could it be the resurgence of the butterfly curve? Probably not, but I’m a fan of the pitch and Sanchez’s recent form.

Anyway, with Justin Verlander and Daniel Norris struggling, Sanchez has joined Michael Fulmer as the only consistent starters in the rotation. This weird season just keeps getting weirder.

Verlander chatter builds

While it is widely recognized that J.D. Martinez is almost a lock to be traded from the Tigers, the surprising lead in trade rumors continues to go to Justin Verlander. There have been numerous reports linking Verlander and Alex Avila to the Cubs, Tigers’ scouts are checking in on Cubs players, and yesterday saw sources throwing around the S word.

Any moves are still probably a ways off, but it highlights that the Tigers are serious about a rebuild. Tuesday provided a bridge to that rebuilding future, as top pick Alex Faedo signed on with the organization after a dazzling College World Series. Katie Strang at the newly formed Atlantic Detroit has your full write up on the first rounder. The team has now signed their top 13 picks and 30 out of 40 overall.

JV cares not for your twitter advice

#ILiveAMeaninglessLife

Let’s check in on the Cubs

Never mind, Jon Jay fixed their pitching.

Daniel Norris to the DL

Daniel Norris was placed on the 10-day disabled list yesterday with a groin strain. The severity of the strain is still unknown but it does appear to be a real injury, not roster magic. It’s another set back in what has become a forgettable year for Norris, but he remains unshaken in the most Daniel Norris way possible.

But Norris proceeded to explain the story from the Book of Daniel and how it relates to his current adversity.

"They got thrown into the fiery furnace. Nebuchadnezzar actually turned the heat up seven times. There's a reason that God let that happen. It takes the most impossible scenarios to give him the glory and show his mighty power," Norris said.

His control continues to betray him, but you shouldn’t count Norris out. He’s only 24 years old after all.

For your free time

Nine trades that make sense at the deadline including an underwhelming JV to Chicago suggestion. Another absurd Clayton Kershaw statistic to add to his collection. While Didi Gregorius had the best All Star campaign strategy, I still approve of the Tigers’ response when asked for help. Adrian Beltre is the man, but he has not seen an eephus before. Angel Hernandez will umpire the All-Star Game despite currently suing the MLB.

The silent treatment is awesome