“There’s still plenty of baseball to be played.”
For Detroit Tigers supporters — and perhaps even for those eager to shift their attention to the team across Brush Street — this cliché, often invoked to rebuild motivation throughout the season, may not entirely apply.
As the season progresses toward its conclusion, the objectives also become much more immediate. After Saturday’s win, Tarik Skubal shared with reporters, “The goal of the game is to win each day. We won today, so now we focus on winning tomorrow.”
And indeed they did, securing a victory over the White Sox for the third consecutive day. Sunday’s triumph in Chicago — marking their 65th win of the season — occurred in Game 131, leaving only 31 games remaining in 2024.
(If you missed the action, details can be found in the Freep article by Even Petzold.)
A win on Monday (and the ensuing “mopping” of the ChiSox) would, indeed, bring the Tigers back to .500 for the first time since June 5. From there, it’s a leap, a skip, and a 30-game stretch — regrettably, with only three of those against the White Sox — in pursuit of finishing .500 for the first time since 2016.
The last time the Tigers finished a season with a .500 record was on September 22, 2016. How significant is that? Tigers second baseman Colt Keith was just 39 days past his 15th birthday then, and today he is 12 days beyond his 23rd birthday.
Even manager A.J. Hinch, who typically deflects questions about the future, has shown a willingness to recognize the pressing milestone of 81 wins.
“It’s important,” Hinch remarked to the media on Sunday. “That’s the next objective. Once we achieve that, we can reset our expectations. … Everyone is contributing because we desire to have a winning team. This is significant for this group.”
So, what steps must the Tigers take to reach the .500 threshold?
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VETERAN PRESENCE: 90-year-old Comerica Park vendor Amzie Griffin has been selling to Tigers fans since 1960.
Welcome to the So You’re Saying There’s A Chance Newsletter!
Throughout the modern era of baseball, which began in 1901, there have been 1,237 teams with losing records after 131 games. This season, 12 teams are included in that statistic, ranging from the White Sox’s staggering 100 losses—second most ever at this point, just behind the 101 losses of the 1916 Athletics—to the Tigers and Cubs, each with only 66 losses.
This results in a total of 1,225 teams with losing records prior to the current season. Among those, an impressive 85 teams—about 6.9%—managed to finish at .500 or better. The most recent examples are last year’s Padres and Yankees, who transformed their records from 61-70 and 63-68, respectively, to identical 82-80 finishes. The Tigers have achieved this turnaround on four occasions:
1948: After a 64-67 start, the Tigers tussled with .500 for the entirety of September in a 154-game schedule, ultimately winning four out of their last five games (with future Hall of Famer Hal Newhouser earning win No. 21 in the final game) to finish at 78-76.
1957: Jack Tighe’s Tigers stumbled to a 65-66 record before rallying to secure victories in 10 of 12 games, peaking at seven games above .500 by September 15. However, a six-game losing streak brought them back down, and they ended with a record of 78-76.
1958: This season exhibited a familiar pattern with a record of 64-67 through 131 games, although Tighe was dismissed early on with a 21-28 record. His successor, Bill Norman, guided the Tigers to a 73-71 mark by September 17 (after a six-game winning streak), but they finished at 77-77 following a 4-6 close.
2010: Jim Leyland’s team experienced considerable ups and downs after settling at 65-66 on August 29. A late-season surge of eight wins in nine games briefly took them five games above .500, but a subsequent six-game losing streak dashed their hopes. They ultimately managed to win the season finale against the Orioles, thanks to Brandon Inge’s tying homer in the fifth inning and Johnny Damon’s single that drove in the winning run in the sixth inning.
got the Tigers back to .500, at 81-81.
If we are being precise about what constitutes “a winning team,” which is defined as being above .500, that limits us to just 58 teams out of the 1,225 total, which is approximately 4.7%.
While we’re envisioning Tigers success, why stop at .500 or even above? Why not aim for … the playoffs?
As of Monday, the Tigers find themselves 10 games behind in the AL Central — a challenging feat to overcome with only 31 games left, especially since two teams are positioned between them and the Guardians — but they are merely 7 games back in the AL wild-card race. Fangraphs estimates the Tigers’ playoff chances at 2.3%, which is nearly double the previous week’s 1.2% odds.
However, it’s not entirely outlandish — of the 58 teams that transitioned from a losing record at Game 131 to finishing above .500, four made it to the playoffs. Additionally, four other teams reached the postseason from a 66-65 record, including the 2009 Twins, who defeated the Tigers in a Game 163 battle in Minneapolis. Here’s the journey that the 65-66 teams took to reach the postseason:
1973 Mets: Even a three-game sweep against the struggling Padres (sound familiar?) could only elevate Yogi Berra’s Amazin’ to 61-70 — 5 games behind, a mere half-game out of last place, with FOUR teams ahead of them — by August 29. Just a week later, on September 3, their record stood at 64-73, still nine games under .500. Then they finished with an impressive 18-6 run, seemingly only stopped by the weather — rain canceled games on three consecutive late-September days, compelling the Mets to clinch the NL East (at 82-79) with a victory on the Monday following the scheduled end of the season, eliminating a planned second game that day. (The Mets subsequently won the NLCS and pushed the A’s to seven games in the World Series before ultimately falling.)
1984 Royals: As the “Bless You Boys” Tigers thrived in the AL East, the AL West was a whirlwind of unpredictability, with the Royals transforming from 65-66 and four games behind the Twins on August 28 to finishing at 84-78 — achieving a 19-12 finish — concluding the season with a three-game lead. This turnaround was primarily due to the Twins suffering an epic collapse at season’s end, losing six consecutive games, including four straight to a Cleveland team they had just swept the week before. (K.C. was then swept by the Tigers in the best-of-five ALCS.)
2005 Padres: We’re not suggesting San Diego, at 65
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The Padres, who were at -66 on August 30, managed to stay five games ahead in the NL West, thanks in part to one of the weakest divisions in MLB history. Throughout the season, the entire five-team group was outscored, yielding an expected winning percentage of .442 based on runs both scored and allowed. The Padres had an expected winning percentage of .475, and they didn’t secure a winning record until Game 159, wrapping up the season with an 82-80 finish after winning three of their last four games. (The Cardinals then restored order by sweeping the NLDS in three games.)
2008 Dodgers: On August 25, the Dodgers held a 65-66 record, trailing the Diamondbacks by just three games in the NL West. While the Dodgers did not ignite the division in the latter part of the season, they managed a solid 19-12 finish, including a 5-1 run against Arizona, to end up at 84-78. The D’backs, on the other hand, finished at 14-17, falling two games behind. (Subsequently, the Dodgers swept the Cubs in the NLDS — baseball! — before being eliminated by the Phillies in five games during the NLCS.)
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And then?
OK, perhaps we’re leaping ahead with discussions about the playoffs. However, even Carlos Monarrez from the Freep felt optimistic about the Tigers’ young talent (and that was before their expected domination over the White Sox that weekend). As Monarrez highlighted, the real test will occur in the offseason when the Tigers, along with owner Christopher Ilitch, have the opportunity to spend some funds to address several issues that arose throughout the season.
Out of the Park
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A key factor in the Tigers’ successful run in August is outfielder Parker Meadows, who boasts a .948 OPS, including 10 extra-base hits, over 71 plate appearances in 17 games since his return from the injured list on Aug. 3. This impressive performance has directly contributed to the team’s success, as the Tigers have achieved a record of 13-4 during this period, compared to 0-3 when he is unavailable. It’s not surprising, then, that, as Our Man Petzold reports, the Tigers plan to place Meadows at the top of the lineup for the remainder of the season.
From Cuba with love
Yet, it seems no Tiger may have experienced a better eight days this month than Andy Ibáñez. In Sunday’s game, he homered for the fifth time this season. However, that achievement paled in comparison to the joy he felt last Sunday, even while taking a day off. It was the Tigers’ trip to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, for the Little League World Series, during which the Cuban-born Ibáñez spent the entire day with his national team. Our Man Petzold has a story detailing what that experience—and his representation of Cuba in last year’s World Baseball Classic—meant to Ibáñez.
The Cy Young chase
Naturally, several individual accomplishments remain to be pursued this season, with Tarik Skubal’s AL Cy Young aspirations taking center stage. The left-handed pitcher currently leads the American League in wins (15), ERA (2.58), and strikeouts (193)—the modern equivalent of the pitching Triple Crown—despite ranking only third in innings pitched (160). This marks a career-high in innings for him, with five potential starts left in the season. How many innings will the Tigers permit Skubal to complete? Our Man Petzold has the insights on their strategy for managing his workload, especially considering the additional off days in September.
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off.
Holt on!
Speaking of flourishing starters… and impressive swingmen… and reliable closers… well, all of those attributes describe just one pitcher: left-hander Tyler Holton. He boasts an impressive 2.41 ERA over 74 innings, which includes six starts, nine finished games (with a perfect 4-for-4 in save opportunities), and 30 of his 51 appearances spanning more than one inning. Certainly, this bullpen utility player has only one non-negotiable rule, as noted by Our Man Petzold earlier this week: Don’t touch his game hat.
2 to watch
However, a word of caution: The Tigers’ rotation, which has been heavily focused on openers, might soon be stabilizing with the return of two familiar faces:
CASEY MIZE: The first overall pick in 2018 appears set to make his comeback from the IL this weekend.
REESE OLSON: This second-year right-hander has indicated that he will be back sometime in September.
Mark your calendar
The unusual weekend series wraparound for the Tigers in Chicago marks the last time this season they’ll have a seven-game week. Following today’s game against the White Sox, they will face the struggling Angels for three games (Tuesday-Thursday) and then match up with the reasonably strong Red Sox for another three games (Friday-Sunday), all hosted at Comerica Park. This series also presents an opportunity for the Tigers to call up another player from Toledo, specifically 24-year-old right-hander Ty Madden, who will make his start tonight in Chicago. Although the 2021 first-round pick has struggled, boasting a 7.97 ERA in 18 Triple-A starts, Our Man Petzold has insights on why the Tigers remain optimistic about his recent performances.
Happy birthday, Tork!
Today, Spencer Torkelson celebrates his 25th birthday, making him the elder statesman in the Tigers’ infield, though he’s still 344 days younger than catcher Dillon Dingler. Since returning from Triple-A, Torkelson has been impressive, hitting in five of his eight games and achieving a .290/.371/.516 slash line. However, it’s noteworthy that seven of those games took place away from Comerica Park, where his OPS is a more modest .640 across 658 plate appearances.
Other Tigers birthdays this week: David Price (39 on Monday), Jordy Mercer (38 on Tuesday), John Hicks (35 on Saturday), Ramón Santiago (45 on Saturday), and Hideo Nomo (56 on Saturday).
TL;DR
It’s clear that those four postseason teams benefited significantly from the underperforming teams in their divisions, along with a schedule that favored divisional matchups. In contrast, the Tigers have only six remaining games against AL Central opponents after Monday, including three against the Royals.
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From September 16-18, the team will face three games against the ChiSox to conclude the season from September 27-29. However, they might still take advantage of their schedule — their remaining strength of schedule is .465 (including Monday), which ranks as the third-easiest in the majors. In contrast, K.C. holds the third-toughest schedule at .531, while the Guardians sit at 13th with a .503 rating and the Twins are 14th with .502.
Could there be a September surprise? As Keith mentioned to reporters on Sunday, “We just got to keep it going. If we do that, we’ll be above .500 to end the year.”
Contact Ryan Ford atrford@freepress.com. Follow him on X (which used to be Twitter, y’know?)@theford.
Detroit Tigers’ Rise: Chasing .500 and Playoff Dreams as the Season Winds Down
Current Standing and Season Overview
As the 2023 MLB season approaches its climax, the Detroit Tigers are making a significant push towards a .500 record. After several years of rebuilding, this push has reignited the hopes of a fanbase eager to see their team compete at a higher level. With a current record that reflects their resilience, the Tigers are not just fighting for a respectable finish but are also eyeing potential playoff opportunities.
Key Statistics
| Category | 2023 Stats | 2022 Stats |
|———————|————-|————-|
| Wins | 75 | 66 |
| Losses | 70 | 96 |
| Win Percentage | .517 | .407 |
| Home Record | 39-32 | 29-50 |
| Away Record | 36-38 | 37-46 |
Managing the Roster: Key Players and Their Impact
The resurgence of the Detroit Tigers this season can be attributed to the exceptional performances of several key players. Here are some of the standout contributors:
- Spencer Torkelson: The young first baseman has become a cornerstone of the lineup, showcasing his power and batting average.
- Tarik Skubal: As one of the team’s leading pitchers, Skubal has provided stability on the mound, delivering strikeouts and keeping runs to a minimum.
- Riley Greene: With his speed and agility, Greene has not only made significant contributions in the outfield but has also been a key player at the plate.
Each of these players plays a pivotal role in the team’s performance, and their development has been a focal point for the Tigers’ management.
Chasing .500: The Road Ahead
Achieving a .500 record may seem like a modest goal, but for the Tigers, it’s a symbol of progress and a stepping stone towards larger ambitions. Here’s how they plan to navigate the remainder of the season:
Remaining Schedule
The Tigers face a blend of challenging and manageable matchups in their remaining schedule. Here’s a brief overview:
| Opponent | Date | Location | Current Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago White Sox | Sept 15 | Away | 67-78 |
| Kansas City Royals | Sept 18 | Home | 54-90 |
| New York Yankees | Sept 22 | Away | 74-71 |
| Boston Red Sox | Sept 25 | Home | 73-73 |
As seen in the table, the Tigers will face various teams, some of which are also vying for playoff spots. It will be crucial for the Tigers to leverage their home-field advantage, especially against weaker opponents like the Royals.
Benefits of a Strong Finish
Finishing the season strong is about more than just the numbers; it provides multiple benefits:
- Boosting Team Morale: A strong finish can significantly lift the spirits of players and fans alike, creating a positive atmosphere heading into the offseason.
- Building Momentum: Success in the final games can build momentum toward the next season, fostering an environment of winning that can attract free agents.
- Player Development: Young players gain valuable experience playing in competitive scenarios, which is crucial for their growth.
Playoff Aspirations: An Analysis
While achieving a .500 record is within reach, the Tigers also find themselves in the conversation regarding playoff contention. Though the competition is fierce, here’s how they can enhance their chances:
Key Strategies for Success
1. **Consistent Pitching**: Maintaining a strong pitching rotation is essential. The bullpen must perform efficiently to secure late-game leads.
2. **Offensive Production**: The Tigers need to continue finding ways to manufacture runs. This includes clutch hitting and effective base running.
3. **Defensive Excellence**: Avoiding errors and making smart plays in the field can drastically influence game outcomes.
4. **Health and Fitness**: Keeping players healthy through proper conditioning and injury management is crucial for maintaining performance levels throughout the season.
First-Hand Experience: The Fan Perspective
Fans are an integral part of the Tigers’ success story. One devoted fan, Lisa Johnson, shares her thoughts on the team’s progression this season:
>”I’ve watched the Tigers struggle for a few years, but seeing the young talent finally coming together has been exhilarating. Each game feels like a new opportunity, and I believe we can get to .500 and beyond. The energy in the stadium is electric, and it’s all thanks to the hard work of the players and coaching staff.”
This sentiment reflects a growing optimism within the fanbase, indicating that as the Tigers push for a respectable finish, they are also re-establishing a strong connection with their supporters.
Case Studies: Successful Turnarounds in MLB History
Examining other teams that have successfully turned their fortunes can provide insight into what the Tigers might achieve. Consider the following case studies:
- Chicago Cubs (2015): After years of rebuilding, the Cubs finished with a 97-65 record and went on to win the World Series in 2016. Their commitment to developing young talent paid off.
- San Diego Padres (2020): The Padres, through smart trades and player development, transformed their roster, leading to a playoff appearance in 2020 after years of mediocrity.
These examples demonstrate that with the right strategy and execution, the Detroit Tigers can not only achieve their goal of a .500 record but also set the foundation for future playoff runs.
Conclusion
the Detroit Tigers are on an exciting journey as they chase a .500 record and playoff dreams. With a solid roster, strategic planning, and the unwavering support of their fans, the Tigers are poised to make a significant impact as the season winds down. As they continue to compete, the hope for a brighter future in Detroit baseball is palpable, marking a new chapter in the team’s storied history.
