Categories: Gameday

Phillies and Tigers open series in Detroit amidst trade speculation

Statues, sconces, and other images of Tigers can be found everywhere you turn at Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers. (Dolovis)

The Philadelphia Phillies (52-48) and Detroit Tigers (30-65) open a quick two-game Interleague series at Comerica Park with a Tuesday night match-up in Motown. The two clubs met previously at the end of April, splitting a two game set at Citizens Bank Park.

The Phillies have won three of their last four games as they fight to stay in the National League Wildcard race. The club is currently tied with the Milwaukee Brewers, a half-game behind the Saint Louis Cardinals in the battle for the second of two NL Wildcard playoff berths.

Losers in 16 of their last 20 games, the Tigers are suffering through a season in which they are challenging only for the top pick in next year’s MLB Draft. It is a season and a period in Tigers history that is absolutely reminiscent of a place where the Phillies found themselves about four years ago.

As a sidebar to the actual baseball taking place on the field, the MLB trade deadline is looming, just eight days away. Tonight’s starting pitcher for the Tigers is one of the most talked about arms as that deadline approaches. Phillies general manager Matt Klentak will be in the ballpark, believed to be scouting a number of Detroit players for possible deals.

TUESDAY STARTING LINEUPS

PHILLIES

TIGERS

SHIBE VINTAGE SPORTS STARTING PITCHING MATCHUP

PHILLIES – Aaron Nola: 8-2, 3.77 ERA, 110 hits over 121.2 IP across 21 starts with a 138/51 K:BB

TIGERS – Matthew Boyd: 6-8, 4.13 ERA, 112 hits over 120 IP across 20 starts with a 160/24 K:BB

PHILLIES NUGGETS PREGAME NOTES

Back on February 28 in the immediate aftermath of the Bryce Harper signing, the Phillies moved into the top five MLB teams in World Series betting odds. Per the site SportsBettingDime.com, the Phillies dropped out of the top ten by early July and have now been passed by the Nationals as the third betting choice from the NL East.
The Tigers actually have a worse record at home (13-34) than on the road (17-31) this season. They are just 23-54 against right-handed starters, and 5-13 in Interleague contests this year.
These two franchise’ have met just 20 times in their long histories, with Detroit taking 12 of those. The Tigers are 5-4 against the Phillies during their meetings at Comerica Park.
Castellanos recorded the first walk-off hit and homer of his Tigers career on Sunday. His day also included his MLB-leading 34th double of the season. With two extra-base hits on Sunday, he now ranks tied for sixth in the American League with 48 XBH. Dating to June 2, Castellanos has hit safely in 35-of-40 games, batting .314/.389/.513 with 16 doubles, five home runs and 14 RBI.
Jones had two hits for the Tigers on Sunday, including a solo home run, his 10th of the season. Since May 24, Jones is hitting .320/.374/.586 with 12 doubles, two triples, six home runs and 17 RBI in 36 games