Bless You Boys - Game 7: Tigers vs. Blue JaysA detailed list of nope about the Detroit Tigershttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47585/default.png2014-02-09T13:34:57-05:00http://www.blessyouboys.com/rss/stream/39688052014-02-09T13:34:57-05:002014-02-09T13:34:57-05:00GIF: Don Kelly robs a home run
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MFn6I7nJtJNvC9JDuQCWKVw_E98=/0x187:2738x2012/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28336541/166175839.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Leon Halip</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>This doesn't have any special significance, other than we're excited for baseball to be back.</p> <p>While spending a lazy Sunday updating some of our GIFs from early last year, I found a highlight that had not gotten the proper attention it deserved. On April 9th, <span>Don Kelly</span> made a leaping catch at the wall to rob Toronto's <span>J.P. Arencibia</span> of a home run.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3979039/Kelly_catch_4-9-13.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Kelly_catch_4-9-13_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3979039/Kelly_catch_4-9-13.gif"></a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3979023/Kelly_catch2_4-9-13.gif"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3979023/Kelly_catch2_4-9-13.gif" class="photo" alt="Kelly_catch2_4-9-13_medium"></a><br id="1391970706334"></p>
<p>The catch preserved a 1-0 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a> lead at the time. They later cruised to a 7-3 victory.</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2014/2/9/5395394/gif-don-kelly-robs-home-run-j-p-arencibiaRob Rogacki2013-04-11T10:13:56-04:002013-04-11T10:13:56-04:00'What are they clapping for?'
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/varQrp-k6HdOwRS9VGkPmWgH72c=/0x190:2815x2067/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/11339541/166174052.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Leon Halip</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Torii Hunter joined Brian Kenny and Harold Reynolds on MLB Network's "MLB Now" show Tuesday to talk about getting the 2000th hit of his career.</p> <p>For the record, 14 of those came <i>for</i> the Detroit Tigers. 170 of them came <i>against </i>the Detroit Tigers.</p>
<p>"When I the 2000th hit, everybody was clapping, I'm like, 'What are they clapping for?'" </p>
<p>Hunter also spoke about hitting in front of Miguel Cabrera, Prince Fielder and Victor Martinez, which, naturally, he enjoys quite a bit. But not because they have power. "They're 3-2 count guys, they work the count, ... they're not free swingers. They have good at bats."</p>
<p>See the entire interview below:</p>
<p><iframe src="http://mlb.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=26139243&width=400&height=224&property=mlb" frameborder="0" height="224" width="400">Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe></p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/4/11/4212610/torii-hunter-talks-about-2000th-hit-what-are-they-clapping-forKurt Mensching2013-04-09T20:34:21-04:002013-04-09T20:34:21-04:00Overanalysis: Plate discipline is good
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ouYNGWyjZiCBDMKt7J0DF_9_BDI=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/11254305/20130409_jla_aa1_098.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Andy Dirks and Alex Avila extended the third inning for the Tigers today, forcing starter Brandon Morrow to throw a lot more pitches than intended.</p> <p>One of the biggest innings of today's win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bluebirdbanter.com/">Toronto Blue Jays</a> may have been one in which the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a> didn't score any runs at all. In the top of the third, the Tigers were able to extend the inning with a pair of two-out walks, elevating starter <span>Brandon Morrow's</span> pitch count before he was pulled in the fourth inning.</p>
<p></p>
<div class="read-more">
<strong>More</strong>: <a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/4/9/4205570/tigers-7-blue-jays-3-miguel-cabrera-leads-15-hit-attack" target="_blank">Game recap</a> <a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/4/9/4206162/quick-thoughts-enjoying-miguel-cabrera" target="_blank">Miguel Cabrera leads hitting spree</a>
</div>
<p>Situation: Top of the third inning, runner on first base, two outs. <span>Andy Dirks</span> steps into the batter's box with Brandon Morrow sitting on 46 pitches through 2 2/3 innings. On a 1-0 count, Dirks takes a fastball just off the outside corner of the plate for a ball.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2450189/Dirks1.gif"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2450189/Dirks1.gif" class="photo" alt="Dirks1_medium"></a><br id="1365552704447"></p>
<p><i>Bonus! Today's GIFs have PitchFX data because I can't seem to find enough toys to keep myself busy. And because it looks sweet. Hover your cursor over the images to make them dance.</i></p>
<p>On the next pitch, Dirks fouls off a tough slider breaking down-and-in.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1546385/dirks2.gif"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1546385/dirks2.gif" class="photo" alt="Dirks2_medium"></a></p>
<p>He then takes a pair of pitches high to draw the first two-out walk of the inning, moving <span>Miguel Cabrera</span> over to second base.</p>
<p><span>Alex Avila</span> started his plate appearance by fouling off a first-pitch fastball. The next pitch is a splitter on the edge of the strike zone that Avila takes for a called strike.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1546391/avila1.gif"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1546391/avila1.gif" class="photo" alt="Avila1_medium"></a></p>
<p>While the pitch is called a strike, PitchFX shows that it was just off the corner of the plate. Regardless, Avila battles back from the 0-2 count to force a 3-2 pitch. Morrow's splitter is just outside the strike zone, putting Avila on first.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1546397/avila2.gif"><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1546397/avila2.gif" class="photo" alt="Avila2_medium"></a></p>
<p>After a visit to the mound, Morrow is able to retire Peralta on a grounder to second, but not until Peralta sees another three pitches from Morrow, bumping his pitch count up to 61 through three innings.</p>
<p>The end result: 15 pitches and two walks, which essentially takes an inning off the end of Morrow's start on a normal day.</p>
<p>While this may seem fairly insignificant given how the next inning went, keep this in mind: last season, our #5 hitter facing a tough right-hander would have likely resulted in a one-pitch out. This year -- and caveats about <span>Victor Martinez</span> being the real #5 hitter apply -- it results in 15 more pitches before getting the final out of the inning. On another day, it may have resulted in an RBI single, if not more.</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/4/9/4206922/overanalysis-patience-at-the-plate-pays-off-for-tigersRob Rogacki2013-04-09T17:03:00-04:002013-04-09T17:03:00-04:00Denard Robinson bounces first pitch
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mgDWbKzQnVexDpWXCHvKLHV2Bik=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/11244743/20130409_jla_aa1_051.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>It's probably a good thing he's not a QB anymore.</p> <p>The fine people at <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" target="_blank" href="http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/blog/eye-on-college-football/22036644/gif-denard-robinson-throws-a-terrible-fastball">CBS sports</a> documented this truly tebowian effort from Denard.</p>
<p>Look at this mess:</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1546157/denardfirstpitch.gif"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1546157/denardfirstpitch.gif" class="photo" alt="Denardfirstpitch_medium"></a></p>
<p><i>Hover over to animate</i></p>
<p>via <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/images/collegefootball/denardfirstpitch.gif">www.cbssports.com</a></p>
<p>This is a <strike>professional</strike> student athlete one hopping it to the plate. How do you think you would do?</p>
<p>Of course this just adds to the long list of klunker first pitches. My personal favorite? This one:</p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wzguPONcwoo" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/4/9/4206384/denard-robinson-doesnt-throw-the-ball-wellComericaEric2013-04-09T16:46:10-04:002013-04-09T16:46:10-04:00Quick thoughts: Enjoying Miguel Cabrera
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/86b4r1j4ziGMhys2auBzO9lcBFI=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/11243385/20130409_jla_aa1_094.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Miguel Cabrera put on a masterful show with his bat in a 7-3 victory over the Blue Jays.</p> <p>How good is <span>Miguel Cabrera</span> with the bat? We got quite the exhibition of his marvelous skill set this afternoon.</p>
<p>First at bat, Cabrera yanked a single to left. That was just the start of a killer afternoon.</p>
<p>Down in the count 0-2 in the 3rd, Cabrera shortened his swing trying to hit the ball toward the right side. Miggy would punch a single to right for his second base hit, only a perfect throw preventing a run.</p>
<p>In his third at bat, Cabrera went with a 3-1 pitch, taking breaking ball to the opposite field and over the wall in right for three runs, breaking a tight game wide open. Cabrera also became the first player to hit 100 home runs at Comerica Park with his first big fly of 2013.</p>
<p>Cabrera's fourth hit of the day came on his fifth at bat. Cabrera quickly turned on an inside fastball, which he drilled to left for an RBI single.</p>
<p>Cabrera's show over for the day, Torii Hunter confirmed all our thoughts about the reigning AL MVP on FSD's post game:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>He is the<b> BEST</b> right handed hitter I've ever seen.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Jim Leyland was duly impressed by Cabrera as well:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>To me he's the best opposite field home run hitter in the history of the game.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>We're watching greatness, people. What's even better, we've come to expect it.</p>
<div class="read-more">
<b>More</b>: <a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/4/9/4205570/tigers-7-blue-jays-3-miguel-cabrera-leads-15-hit-attack" target="new">Tigers 7, Blue Jays 3: Miguel Cabrera leads 15 hit attack</a>
</div>
<p><b>BULLETS:</b></p>
<p>Announced attendance on a blustery, damp, cold afternoon in Detroit was 28,979. A decade ago, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a> drew 14,286 as they lost 9-6 to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.royalsreview.com/">Royals</a> in their seventh game of the 2003 season, falling to 0-7. Honestly, I'm surprised attendance was that high back in the day.</p>
<p>Michigan Wolverines QB Denard Robinson was known more for his legs than his arm. Throwing out the first pitch today, we saw why, bouncing the ball ten feet in front of the plate</p>
<div class="read-more">
<b>More</b>: <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2013/4/9/4205990/denard-robinson-is-very-bad-at-baseball-as-you-can-see">Denard Robinson is very bad at baseball</a>
</div>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Denard_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2449017/denard_medium.jpg"></p>
<p>Even the biggest <span>Don Kelly</span> hater on the internets had to give Donnie Baseball his due after robbing <span>J.P. Arencibia</span> of a home run in the 2nd inning.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>(tips cap to Kelly) (curses under breath)</p>
— Scott Rogowski (@DNR_Rogo) <a href="https://twitter.com/DNR_Rogo/status/321676709579587585">April 9, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p><span>Alex Avila</span> became a father for the first time on Sunday. The first pitch he saw after the birth of his daughter was sent over the right field fence. He nearly went yard again, sending <span>Colby Rasmus</span> 410 feet before running the fly down in dead center. New daddy strength has kicked in.</p>
<p>On <span>Jose Reyes</span>' RBI single, Omar Infate was either fooled by the spin of the ball off the bat or just didn't see it right away. He broke to his left on a ball hit to his right. The runner would have scored anyway, but it was odd all the same.</p>
<p>Those of you who had game seven in the <i>"Fans bitching about Tom Brookens as 3rd base coach and pine for Gene Lamont"</i> pool, please collect your winnings.</p>
<p>When it comes to 3rd base coaches, I agree with the guy running the <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/blessyouboys">@BlessYouBoys</a> Twitter.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Gene-o, Brookens, robo third base coach, all the same</p>
— Bless You Boys (@blessyouboys) <a href="https://twitter.com/blessyouboys/status/321683950676348929">April 9, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p><span>Torii Hunter's</span> ridiculously good to start continues. His 4th inning single gives him six multiple hit games to start the season. Hunter's third hit of the game, a line drive single to center, was the 2000th hit of his 17 year career.</p>
<p>For what it's worth, a season's worth of Hunter's 2000 hits, 170, were against the Tigers.</p>
<p>Sanchez took a line shot off his right calf in the 5th. He shrugged it off after a couple of warm up throws.</p>
<p>After Avila's long fly in the 5th was caught on the track, Lynn Henning went off on another of his "Comerica Park is unfair" rants. It took our own Phil Coke's Brain to talk Lynn down off the ledge.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>@<a href="https://twitter.com/lynn_henning">lynn_henning</a> Let it go Lynn, let it go.</p>
— <span>Phil Coke's</span> Brain (@PhilCokesBrain) <a href="https://twitter.com/PhilCokesBrain/status/321697807167787008">April 9, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>What Comerica took in the 5th, it would give back in the 8th. Jose Bautista sent Jackson to the warning track in deep center At many big league parks, Bautista would have had a two run home run and made it a 5-4 nailbiter. At Comerica, it was just a long fly out.</p>
<p>The Tigers have now won 9 of the last 12 against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bluebirdbanter.com/">Blue Jays</a>.</p>
<p>Good thing the Tigers were able to get today's game in, the forecast calls for an 80% chance of rain with the possibility of thunderstorms over the next two days.</p>
<p><b>THREE ROARS:</b></p>
<p><b><span>Anibal Sanchez</span>: </b>Quality start (7 IP, 2 ER, 8 K, 114 pitches), looking like the top of the rotation pitcher we saw last fall. His ERA on the season is down to 1.52.</p>
<p><b>Torii Hunter:</b> Three more hits on the day, gives Hunter the team lead with a .424 BA. Watching him during the post game give compliments to his teammates showed why the Tigers were so eager to get the veteran outfielder into their clubhouse.</p>
<p><b>Miguel Cabrera:</b> Four hits, four RBI, three runs scored, three run home run. Ho freaking hum.</p>
<p><b>ONE HISS: </b></p>
<p><b><span>Jhonny Peralta</span></b>: Hitless in four at bats, left the bases loaded twice.</p>
<p><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/4/7/4194230/quick-thoughts-ace-out-pitches-sabathia-veroander-tigers-yankees-mlb-2013-season">GAME SIX</a> PLAYER OF THE GAME:</b></p>
<p><span>Matt Tuiasosopo</span> earned the good graces of the BYB commentariat with a pair of hits and a walk. Big Squiggles beat out <span>Justin Verlander</span> and Torii Hunter with 51% of the vote.</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/4/9/4206162/quick-thoughts-enjoying-miguel-cabreraAl Beaton2013-04-09T16:16:16-04:002013-04-09T16:16:16-04:00Tigers 7, Blue Jays 3: Cabrera leads 15 hit attack
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_aZVuyxOmpE3tYN73Za0-pxcbDI=/0x116:4000x2783/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/11242095/166173793.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Leon Halip</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Tigers take game one of their series with the Blue Jays behind the arm of Anibal Sanchez and the smoking hot bats of Torii Hunter and Miguel Cabrera.</p> <p>Led by <span>Miguel Cabrera's</span> four hits and four RBI, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Detroit Tigers</a> knocked off the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bluebirdbanter.com/">Toronto Blue Jays</a> 7-3.</p>
<p><span>Anibal Sanchez</span> (1-1) picked up his first win of the season, pitching seven innings, allowing just two runs on five hits. Brandon Morrow (0-1) was tagged for nine hits and five runs, knocked out of the game after 3 2/3 innings.</p>
<p><span>Colby Rasmus</span> homered for the Jays, <span>Melky Cabrera</span> adding three hits. Cabrera's four hits, including a three run home run, led the Tigers' 15 hit attack. <span>Torii Hunter</span> also joined in on the hit parade with three hits, including the 2000th of his 17 year career.</p>
<div class="read-more">
<b>More</b>: <a href="http://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/4/9/4206162/quick-thoughts-enjoying-miguel-cabrera" target="new">Quick thoughts: Enjoying Miguel Cabrera</a>
</div>
<p>The game starting with threatening weather overhead, the Tigers took an early 1-0 lead on back-to-back base hits by the big boys, Cabrera and <span>Prince Fielder</span>.</p>
<p>Cabrera singled with two out, then raced all the way home on Fielder's double off the scoreboard in deep right center.</p>
<p>Donnie Baseball, aka <span>Don Kelly</span>, saved a run in the 2nd with a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?c_id=det&content_id=26136883&partnerId=as_mlb_20130409_7010964">spectacular catch</a>, leaping above the left field fence to rob <span>J.P. Arencibia</span> of a solo home run.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3979023/Kelly_catch2_4-9-13.gif"><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3979023/Kelly_catch2_4-9-13.gif" class="photo" alt="Kelly_catch2_4-9-13_medium"></a><br id="1391970605692"></p>
<p>After landing face first on the warning track, Donnie Baseball just brushed of the dirt, pulled his socks up high and went back to work.</p>
<p>The lead was extended to 2-0 in the 2nd on <span>Alex Avila's</span> moonshot of a solo home run, a towering fly ball landing just over the right field wall.</p>
<p>The Blue Jays finally got to Sanchez in the 3rd.</p>
<p>Leading off, <span>Emilio Bonifacio</span> ripped a liner to center. Playing shallow, Austin Jackson took what appeared to be a bad route, the ball zipping by him. Bonifacio cruised into the 3rd with a stand up triple. <span>Jose Reyes</span>' RBI single past <span>Omar Infante</span> made it a 2-1 game.</p>
<p>Hunter led off the bottom of the inning by doubling off the bottom of the wall at the 420 mark in center field. In a nice piece of hitting, Cabrera took an 0-2 pitch to right for a single. 3rd base coach Tom Brookens sent Hunter, but the throw from <span>Rajai Davis</span> was on line, Arencibia sweep tagging Hunter on the hand on a bang-bang play.</p>
<p>The Tigers would load the bases with two out on walks to <span>Andy Dirks</span> and Avila. The squander was official when <span>Jhonny Peralta</span> weakly bounced out 4-3 to end the threat.</p>
<p>Cabrera muscled up in the 4th, breaking the game wide open and knocking Morrow out of the box with one swing.</p>
<p>There was two down when Morrow saw the Tigers' top of the order for the third time. It was also the last. Jackson singled to center, Hunter followed the same, Jackson scooting to 2nd. Two on, two out.</p>
<p>On a 3-1 pitch, Cabrera lowered his bat on Morrow's breaking ball, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?c_id=det&content_id=26137579&partnerId=as_mlb_20130409_7017234">homering into the first row</a> of the right field seats, to give the Tigers a 5-1 lead. Out was Morrow, lefty <span>Brett Cecil</span> taking over.</p>
<p>The Blue Jays. -- well, actually Reyes -- manufactured a run in the 5th. Reyes singled, stole 2nd and scored on <span>Jose Bautista's</span> single, pulling the Jays to within three at 5-2.</p>
<p>Sanchez reached the 7th inning at 104 pitches and on a short leash. <span>Drew Smyly</span> and <span>Al Alburquerque</span> were up in the pen. They wouldn't be needed, Sanchez ended a quick 1-2-3 inning having set the last seven Jays down in a row.</p>
<p>The Tigers would load the bases in the bottom of the the 7th with no one out against <span>Esmil Rogers</span>, then squandered an opportunity to put the game out of reach.</p>
<p>Fielder walked, then Andy Dirks and Avila singled, loading the bases for Peralta. The grammatically challenged one had just as bad of a bases loaded at bat as he did the first time with the the bases juiced, popping up for the first out.</p>
<p>Donnie Baseball followed and hit the ball on the screws -- but his line drive was right at Rasmus for the second out. Infante's squibber to 1st ended a infuriating series of at bats, the Tigers failing to extend their 5-2 lead.</p>
<p>Sanchez having received the "Handshake of Doom," Smyly took over in the 8th, facing the top of the Jays order. He would pitch to three batters, sandwiching a Melky Cabrera single between outs by Reyes and Bautista. Alburquerque wrapped up the inning on <span>Edwin Encarnacion's</span> 5-4 fielder's choice.</p>
<p>In the bottom of the 8th, <span>Maicer Izturis</span> would set up the Tigers' sixth run of the day when he threw Jackson's ground ball into right field for a three base error. Cabrera made the Jays pay for not walking him with 1st base empty, ripping an RBI single to left.</p>
<p>After Fielder reached on a line single, <span>Matt Tuiasosopo</span> pinch hit for Dirks. The Jays countered by bringing in a right-hander out of the bullpen to face him, <span>Edgar Gonzalez</span>. Defying his career splits, Big Squggles yanked an RBI double into the left field corner, Cabrera crossing the plate.</p>
<p><span>Joaquin Benoit</span> pitched the 9th and made Tigers fans more nervous than they needed to be. Benoit allowing one out home run to Rasmus and a double to <span>Adam Lind</span>. But he would get the final two outs to nail down the 7-3 victory.</p>
<p>The Tigers move back over .500 at 4-3. The Blue Jays disappointing start to the season continues, falling to 2-5 on the young season. The teams face off again Wednesday afternoon at Comierica Park for game two of the three game series.</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/4/9/4205570/tigers-7-blue-jays-3-miguel-cabrera-leads-15-hit-attackAl Beaton2013-04-09T11:23:18-04:002013-04-09T11:23:18-04:00Victor Martinez out with thumb injury
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3ohdwCiJVQstbUKxITYei2zTB4E=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/11223329/20130405_jla_aa1_050.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Martinez suffered a cut to his thumb, requiring eight stitches.</p> <p>When today's starting lineup was released by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Detroit Tigers</a>, there was an odd omission. No <span>Victor Martinez</span>. <span>Andy Dirks</span> was batting in the five hole as the DH against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bluebirdbanter.com/">Blue Jays</a>' starter <span>Brandon Morrow</span>.</p>
<p>Before the cries for Jim Leyland's head start (again) for the makeup of his batting order, turns out there was a legitimate reason for Martinez being out of the lineup. Eight of them, actually.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Martinez cut his right thumb on the bat rack and required 8 stitches.</p>
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) <a href="https://twitter.com/beckjason/status/321634256554168322">April 9, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Martinez is considered day-to-day.</p>
<p>But eight stitches from the bat rack? Must be made of razor blades.</p>
https://www.blessyouboys.com/2013/4/9/4205030/victor-martinez-out-with-thumb-injury8-stitches-detoirt-tigers-mlb-2013Al Beaton