The Detroit Tigers are thankful Drew Smyly has adjusted to being a starting pitcher after injuries struck the lineup. The young rookie spent most of his first two seasons in the league as a bullpen guy, but got pumped up this season into the rotation. After a few solid outings, the Tigers hope he can continue the success against the Houston Astros.
Smyly was a starter for 18 appearances as a rookie before heading to the bullpen where he was highly successful. Now back as a starter, the youngster is 2-1 with a 2.45 ERA since getting promoted in April. Smyly has three impressive starts to his name, the most recent on Saturday where he gave up just two hits and six strike outs in just seven scoreless innings. In eight starts dating back to 2012, he is 3-1 with a 2.53 ERA. The Tigers hope he can keep up the hot arm to match the production at the plate.
Miguel Cabrera is currently batting .368 with three home runs in 13 games. Victor Martinez is hitting .368 with three home runs and 11 RBI while being on a 10-game hit streak. Detroit is currently outscoring opponents 51-18 while putting together a nice win streak. Keeping that going might not be hard against the Houston Astros who are currently in a five-game skid.
Dallas Keuchel will try and keep pace with the Tigers. He is currently 2-2 with a 3.96 ERA. He gave up four runs in six innings in his last start. Houston has lost its last 10 of 11 games against Detroit. Keuchel walked six over 10 innings in his last start against the team. The Astros are getting back Jonathan Villar which could easily help the effort.
Watch Detroit vs. Houston live stream, click here.
