DETROIT -- Tigers vs. Indians, RHP Alfredo Simon vs. RHP Trevor Bauer
Early News: Manager Brad Ausmus said there's a chance that Justin Verlander might be able to throw at some point in the Tigers' upcoming trip.
Tom Gage: But, Dana, that's a three-city trip. The Tigers don't play again at home until May 8 and Verlander's status is that he "might" be able to throw. Never mind starting, we're just talking about throwing.
Your take?
Dana Wakiji: Ausmus said Verlander won't throw until he's pain-free and there's no fluid (inflammation) appearing in the area. So I wouldn't expect him to be starting for the Tigers anytime soon.
TG: Three of the Tigers' last five losses have been by at least nine runs. Pitching problems? Or just proof that you simply could not keep playing at the level they were?
DW: I think they are coming back to earth a bit. It was unrealistic to think their starters would continue to get through the seventh or eighth innings in the rest of the games this season.
However, they could have won a game here or there if their hitting was as hot as it was to start to the season, specifically that 2-1 loss when Anibal Sanchez pitched pretty well the other day.
TG: With two games remaining to it, Victor Martinez has hit only .158 (3-for-19) on this homestand. But a lot of what he's hit hard has been caught.
How close to being the real Victor does he appear to be?
DW: The Yankees made two really nice plays on well-hit balls by Martinez the other night. That's one of those things that make you shrug and say, 'That's baseball.'
But I think Martinez is still trying to get adjusted to playing with that surgically repaired left knee still being sore much of the time.
The thing about Martinez is he's an ultra-diligent worker and they have to make him rest sometimes.
Once he figures out the right balance with treatment, work and rest, I think he'll be fine.
