TIGERS EXERCISE 2012 CLUB OPTION ON JOSE VALVERDE

DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers today announced that the club has exercised the club option on righthanded pitcher Jose Valverde for the 2012 season.

Valverde posted a 2-4 record, 2.24 ERA (72.1IP/18ER), 49 saves and 69 strikeouts in 75 outings for the Tigers during the 2011 season. He established a Tigers single-season record with his American League leading 49 saves. Valverde joined Todd Jones (42 saves in 2000) as the only two pitchers in franchise history to register 40-or-more saves during a single season.

He was selected the Major League Baseball Delivery Man of the Year in 2011, an honor that recognizes the most outstanding relief pitcher during the regular season as voted on by a panel from Major League Baseball.

Jose Valverde will be back with the Tigers in 2012.
Photo By Matt Harding / In Play! Magazine

Valverde converted all 49 of his save opportunities during the season, marking the longest such streak during a single season in Tigers history. He surpassed Guillermo Hernandez who converted 32 straight save opportunities for the Tigers April 6-September 23, 1984. Valverde became only the third pitcher in major league history to be perfect in all of his save opportunities during a single season while posting 40-or-more saves. Eric Gagne converted all 55 of his save chances for the Los Angeles Dodgers during the 2003 season, while Brad Lidge converted all 41 of his save opportunities for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008.

Signed by the Tigers as a free agent on January 26, 2010, Valverde has been selected to the American League’s all-star squad in both of his seasons with the club (2010-11). He has appeared in 135 games during his two seasons with the Tigers, posting a 4-8 record, 2.59 ERA (135.1IP/39ER), 75 saves and 132 strikeouts.

Valverde has appeared in 514 games over the course of nine seasons at the major league level with the Arizona Diamondbacks (2003-07), Houston Astros (2008-09) and Tigers (2010-11). He is 23-27 with a 3.02 ERA (521.1IP/175ER), 242 saves and 602 strikeouts during his major league career.

Read In Play! Magazine Here

Justin Verlander named Sporting News’ 2011 MLB Player of the Year

October 28 – Justin Verlander has been named Sporting News' 2011 player of the year. In voting done by 289 major league players (177 players from the AL and 112 from the NL), Verlander was the first pitcher to win the award since the Los Angeles Dodgers' Orel Hershiser in 1988. The award is presented by Gillette Odor Shield.

Verlander stood out in 2011 among even his most dominant peers with a 24-5 record, 250 strikeouts and 2.40 ERA.

"He's had one of the best seasons for a pitcher. Ever," New York Yankees ace CC Sabathia said.

"He's pretty incredible," Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira said after Verlander struck out 11 New York batters in the ALDS. "He's throwing 100 mph in the eighth inning. That's impressive. I don't know if there's anyone else in baseball, especially a starter, that can do that."

Justin Verlander - Sporting News MLB 2011 Player of the Year
Photo by Matt Harding / In Play! Magazine

Verlander's maturation process in the majors wasn't immediate. After a stellar 2006 season (17-9, 3.63 ERA) that earned him the rookie of the year honors, Verlander had a strong 2007 (18-6, 3.66) but a rocky 2008 (11-17, 4.84) before he really started to dominate hitters in the fashion he did this year.

"One of my favorite lines is you can't make a senior out of a freshman," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said. "It takes time. ... You have to go through different experiences before you really get to (your) peak. I think Justin has taken it step by step. He had the big year in 2006. Then he went through a little bit of a humbling period. He's made adjustments mentally, he's made some adjustments physically. He's figured some things out. ... He's matured a lot."

Read In Play! Magazine Here

“WILLIE HORTON DAY” OCTOBER 18

 HORTON HONORED ACROSS THE STATE ON HIS BIRTHDAY
FOR PAST ACHIEVEMENTS

DETROIT – For the eighth consecutive year, the state of Michigan will recognize one man's ability to overcome obstacles and achieve a lifetime of success when "Willie Horton Day" is celebrated on Tuesday, October 18. Willie is the fourth person in Michigan history to be given a day, with the third being Rosa Parks.

Horton, who serves as a Special Assistant to Tigers President, CEO & General Manager David Dombrowski, received this honor in 2004 when former Governor Jennifer Granholm signed House Bill No. 5200, which permanently declared October 18 of each year to be known as "Willie Horton Day." The legislature chose to recognize the seven-time all-star for his humanitarian efforts in the city and the state. The date of the honor also coincides with Mr. Horton’s birthday.

The youngest of 21 children, Horton was born on October 18, 1942 in Arno, Virginia. At the age of nine, Horton's family moved to Detroit. By 13, he was turning the heads of area baseball scouts and on August 6, 1961, he became a member of his hometown team when he signed his first professional contract with the Tigers after an outstanding career at Detroit's Northwestern High School.

His 18-year big league career included 14 seasons with the Tigers and he was an important part of the 1968 World Championship team. A lifetime .273 hitter, Horton had 1,993 hits, 325 home runs and 1,163 RBI over 2,028 games.

Among the many honors he has received in his lifetime, Horton's uniform number 23 was retired and a statue in his likeness was unveiled by the Tigers on July 15, 2000 and stands among the Tigers Hall of Famers. On August 6, 2004, Detroit Northwestern High School named their newly constructed baseball and softball fields as the Willie Horton Baseball and Softball Diamonds. A monument in Horton's honor was installed at the fields in 2005.

On June 14, 2006, the Army honored Willie with one of the highest Military awards given to a civilian, the Order of Saint Maurice. He was the first professional athlete to earn the honor and his loyal support and distinguished contributions have been ongoing for many years to our Military.

Horton remains active in the community, working in partnership with Don Bosco Hall to host the annual Willie Horton Batting for Kids event at Comerica Park. The event allows youth ages 7-14 the chance to showcase their skills in throwing, batting and base running on the field at Comerica Park. Winners are honored each year in a pregame ceremony.

Additionally, Horton sponsors a $5,000 scholarship that is awarded annually to a high school senior from his alma mater, Detroit Northwestern High School. 

Read In Play! Magazine Here

TIGERS HOST GAME FIVE OF THE ALCS v THE TEXAS RANGERS TODAY

FIRST PITCH TODAY AT 4:19 P.M. AT COMERICA PARK

DETROIT – The American League Central Division Champion Detroit Tigers will continue the American League Championship Series against the Texas Rangers today at Comerica Park.  Gates will open at 2:00 p.m. and first pitch is scheduled for 4:19 p.m.

Thursday, October 13, 2011 - Texas Rangers (Probables: Justin Verlander vs. C.J. Wilson)  @
4:19 p.m. (Gates open at 2:00 p.m.)

·        All fans will receive a Detroit Tigers Rally Towel, courtesy of Pepsi MAX and Frito Lay.
 
·        Former Detroit Tiger and 1984 World Series Champion Lou Whitaker will throw out the first pitch prior to today's game.

·        The national anthem will be performed by the Motown legend and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group, The Four Tops. Members of the United States Navy will serve as Honor Guard.

·        Game Ball Delivery: Master at Arms First Class Petty Officer Arthur Allen Stoddard of the United States Navy from Waterford, Michigan will deliver the game ball.  He has served three tours of duty including deployments to the Persian Gulf, Iraq, Afghanistan, Cuba and aboard the USS George H. W. Bush.  He has received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal of Heroism and a Joint Senate Resolution Certificate.  Master at Arms First Class Petty Officer Stoddard has proudly served the United States Navy for 12 years.

Read In Play! Magazine Here

TIGERS HOST GAME FOUR OF THE ALCS V THE TEXAS RANGERS THIS AFTERNOON

FIRST PITCH TODAY AT 4:19 P.M. AT COMERICA PARK

DETROIT – The American League Central Division Champion Detroit Tigers will continue the American League Championship Series against the Texas Rangers today at Comerica Park.  Gates will open at 2:00 p.m. and first pitch is scheduled for 4:19 p.m.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011 - Texas Rangers (Probables: Rick Porcello vs. Matt Harrison)  @
4:19 p.m. (Gates open at 2:00 p.m.)

·        All fans will receive a Detroit Tigers Rally Towel, courtesy of Xfinity from Comcast.
 
·        Former Detroit Tiger and 1984 World Series Champion Chet Lemon will throw out the first pitch prior to today's game.

·        The national anthem will be performed by Founding and current member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band, Alto Reed. Members of the United States Marine Corps will serve as Honor Guard.

·        Game Ball Delivery: Sergeant Shaun Oates of the United States Marines Corp from Detroit, Michigan will deliver the game ball.  He has completed three combat deployments including two tours in Iraq and most recently a tour of duty in Afghanistan.  Among his many awards, he has received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Iraqi and Afghan Campaign Medals and Good Conduct Medal.  Sergeant Oates has proudly served the United States Marines for 11 years.

Read In Play! Magazine Here

TIGERS HOST GAME THREE OF THE ALCS v THE TEXAS RANGERS TONIGHT AT COMERICA PARK

DETROIT – The American League Central Division Champion Detroit Tigers will continue the American League Championship Series against the Texas Rangers tonight at Comerica Park. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. and first pitch is scheduled for 8:05 p.m.

Tuesday, October 11 2011 -  Texas Rangers (Probables: Doug Fister vs. Colby Lewis)  @
8:05 p.m. (Gates open at 6:00 p.m.)

·        All fans will receive a Detroit Tigers Rally Towel, courtesy of HealthPlus of Michigan.
 
·        Former Detroit Tigers infielder and 1984 World Series Champion Darrell Evans will throw out the first pitch prior to tonight's game.

·        The national anthem will be performed by the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin. Members of the United States Marine Corps will serve as Honor Guard. A 150 x 300 foot American Flag will be presented on the outfield grass during the singing of the national anthem.  

·        Game Ball Delivery: Current Detroit Tigers pitcher and member of the 2006 American League Championship team Joel Zumaya will deliver the game ball to the pitcher’s mound prior to tonight’s game.

Read In Play! Magazine Here

INJURY UPDATE ON MAGGLIO ORDONEZ

DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers today announced the following injury information on Magglio Ordonez:

Magglio Ordonez underwent X-rays and a CT Scan this morning in Arlington, TX, which diagnosed a re-fracture of his right ankle at the site that was previously surgically repaired.

He originally suffered a right ankle fracture on July 25, 2010. He underwent a surgical procedure to stabilize the fracture on August 25, 2010, a procedure performed by Dr. Phillip Kwong of the Kerlan-Jobe Clinic in Los Angeles, CA.

The re-fracture of his right ankle will end the 2011 season for Ordonez.

Read In Play! Magazine Here

American League Championship Series Schedule

American League Championship Series  

Game 1 DET @ TEX

 Saturday, October 8

 FOX

 TBA

Game 2 DET @ TEX

 Sunday, October 9

 FOX

 TBA

Game 3 TEX @ DET

 Tuesday, October 11

 FOX

 TBA

Game 4 TEX @ DET

 Wednesday, October 12

 FOX

 TBA

Game 5 TEX @ DET*

 Thursday, October 13

 FOX

 TBA

Game 6 DET @ TEX*

 Saturday, October 15

 FOX

 TBA

Game 7 DET @ TEX*

 Sunday, October 16

 FOX

 TBA

Read In Play! Magazine Here

TIGERS HOST GAME FOUR OF ALDS v YANKEES TONIGHT

DETROIT – The American League Central Division Champion Detroit Tigers will continue the American League Division Series against the New York Yankees tonight at Comerica Park. All gates will open at 6:30 p.m. First pitch will be at 8:37 p.m.  

Tigers Pitcher Rick Porcello
Photo by Matt Harding
In Play! Magazine

October 4 – New York Yankees (Probables: Rick Porcello vs. A.J. Burnett) @ 8:37 p.m. (Gates open at 6:30 p.m.)

·        All fans will receive a Detroit Tigers Rally Towel, courtesy of Chevrolet.

·        Former Tigers pitcher Todd Jones will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before tonight's game.

·        The national anthem will be performed by Michigan-based country rock national recording artist Ty Stone. Members of the United States Border Patrol will serve as Honor Guard.

·        Ty Stone will play a pregame acoustic set on the field.

·        Game Ball Delivery: Avionic Electrical Technician 3rd Class Ashlee Leppert of the United States Coast Guard from Sterling Heights, Michigan will deliver the game ball.  In six years of service, AET3 Leppert has been stationed in Sector San Juan, Air Station Borinquen, Puerto Rico and Air Station Detroit.  She has deployed to Cuba and Haiti and was recently in New York City providing Presidential Security at the United Nations Meeting. AET3 Leppert has received the Letter of Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Medal.

Read In Play! Magazine Here

TIGERS TO HOST GAME THREE OF ALDS AGAINST NEW YORK YANKEES TODAY AT COMERICA PARK

DETROIT – The American League Central Division Champion Detroit Tigers will continue the American League Division Series against the New York Yankees, Monday, October 3, at Comerica Park. All gates will open at 6:30 p.m. First pitch will be at 8:37 p.m.  


Monday, October 3 – New York Yankees (Justin Verlander vs. CC Sabathia) @ 8:37 p.m. (Gates open at 6:30 p.m.)

·        All fans will receive a Detroit Tigers Rally Towel, courtesy of BallPark and Meijer.

·        Former Tigers pitcher Kenny Rogers will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before tomorrow night’s game.

·        Special guest Jeff Daniels will play his original song “Tiger Fan Blues” from the top of the Tigers dugout prior to starting lineup announcements.

·        The national anthem will be performed by Selected of God Choir. An over-sized American flag will be on display in centerfield during the national anthem. Members of the United States Air Force will serve as Honor Guard.

·        Michigan-based country band Annabelle Road will play a pregame acoustic set on the Main Concourse near the Big Cat Court.

·        Game Ball Delivery: Master Sergeant Corey Hartzler of the United States Air Force from Saint Clair, Michigan will deliver the game ball.  In 19 years of service in the Air Force, he has been deployed 12 times with his more recent tour of duty served in Iraq to support Operation Iraqi Freedom as a Combat Aviation Advisor.  He has previously served in Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. He meritoriously received the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

Read In Play! Magazine Here

Tigers lose close game in ninth, 6-5

By Matt Harding

In Play on Facebook

The Tigers didn't begin the third game of the four game series very well. Justin Verlander, going after his 25th win, wasn't very "Verlanderly" to start. During just three innings, JV gave up five runs on seven hits. Even hits outs didn't look great; two balls off the bat of Adam Jones reached the warning track in the two deepest parts of the ballpark.

Verlander warms up

Photo by Matt Harding / In Play! Magazine

The fourth inning was the first inning in which Verlander didn't give up a run. The Tigers, however, had something brewing in the fourth. They pushed across two runs, both on sacrifice flies.

The home team scored another run in the sixth and one more in the eighth on an RBI double off the bat of Jhonny Peralta. At this point, the score was knotted up at five apiece.

Verlander pitches to the O's, who had his hand tonight

Photo by Matt Harding / In Play! Magazine

On a wild pitch from Daniel Schlereth, Kyle Hudson went from first to third. This led to the game winning suicide squeeze from Matt Angle.

The Tigers lost 6-5. Verlander pitched seven innings and gave up five runs on eight hits.

Read In Play! Magazine Here

Tigers win in 11 innings against O's

By Matt Harding

In Play on Facebook

After losing the first game of the four-game series, the Tigers were back at it Friday night. Rick Porcello took the mound for the Tigers, and, barring a no decision, would be getting either his 15th win or 10th loss of the season.

The Orioles, yet again, got off to an early lead against the Tigers. After a single off the bat of J.J. Hardy, Nick Markakis flew out to center field. Following that, Vladimir Guerrero doubled down the right field line. Hardy scored but Guerrero was thrown out at third trying to advance after the throw home, ending the inning.

The Tigers countered in the bottom of the inning. Austin Jackson led off and was hit by a pitch. After stealing second and reaching third on a sacrifice fly, Jackson scored

on a mammoth home run off the bat of Miguel Cabrera. Cabrera made history with his his 418 ft. homer; he became just the fifth player in Tigers history to reach a total of 100-or-more runs scored, RBI, and walks in a season. The others are Hank Greenberg (1937, '38), Charlie Gehringer (1938), Rocky Colavito (1961), and Norm Cash (1961).

Cabrera's picture perfect swing

Photo by Matt Harding / In Play! Magazine

The Tigers held their 2-1 lead on the O's until the third inning. Robert Andino and Hardy singled and advanced to third and second, respectively, on a wild pitch from Porcello. Markakis hit a sacrifice fly to left field bringing across Andino; Hardy scored on a Matt Wieters single.

Still 3-2 in the fifth, the Tigers scratched back. Leading off with a double was Jhonny Peralta. Two batters later, Ramon Santiago knocked an RBI single to right field.

Porcello was pulled after pitching seven innings; he gave up nine hits, three runs, and struck out four batters. Phil Coke came in for the eighth, shutting down the O's. Joaquin Beniot them down in the top of the ninth.

Porcello threw seven innings, giving up all three Orioles runs

Photo by Matt Harding / In Play! Magazine

In the ninth inning, Cabrera led off with a bloop single to right field. Victor Martinez followed him by grounding out to the second baseman on a 3-2 count. Martinez had four ground outs on the night; three of them were to the second baseman.

Alex Avila was intentionally walked putting Peralta at the plate; the Orioles made the right decision as Peralta struck out, leading to extra innings.

The Tigers brought in closer Jose Valverde in the non-save situation. Coming into the game, Valverde had a 2.36 ERA, two wins and four losses, 47 saves, and almost a strikeout per inning pitched. Though he's not keen on non-save situations, Papa Grande pitched well and got the Tigers to the bottom of the 10th unscathed.

The Tigers play in extra innings (9/23/2011)

Photo by Matt Harding / In Play! Magazine

We would, however, see the 11th inning. Ryan Perry came in to pitch. He gave up a leadoff double to Markakis. Vlad Guerrero walked on four straight pitches. Wieters grounded out into a 3-6-1 double play, leaving it up to Adam Jones. With the runner, Markakis on third, Jones grounded out to Peralta.

Brandon Inge, who came in for Don Kelly as a defensive replacement, led off the inning. He drew a walk. Danny Worth pinch ran for him as Delmon Young walked up to the plate. Young popped the ball straight up to the catcher. Our first baseman, affectionately referred to as Cabby, then stepped up. He singled to right field.

Martinez, and his 0-4 on the day, followed. With one out and two men on, V-Mart got the walk-off hit down the left field line. His teammates mobbed him in between first and second base.

The Tigers tie the series 1-1, winning 4-3 in 11 innings.

Read In Play! Magazine Here

Detroit loses first game in four game series against Baltimore

By Matt Harding

In Play on Facebook

The Tigers got off to a shaky start in the first game of a four game series against the Baltimore Orioles. Their starter, Jacob Turner, made his third start of the season tonight. He gave up two quit hits and one run in the first inning, throwing more balls than strikes.

The O's scored another run in the third inning off of a J.J. Hardy home run. A two-run home run and sacrifice fly in the fourth gave Baltimore a 5-0 lead.

The Tigers managed to scrape across a run in the bottom of the fourth; after giving up two consecutive walks to Delmon Young and Miguel Cabrera, pitcher Zach Britton got Victor Martinez to ground out into a 6-4-3 double play. Young, who had moved over to third base on a wild pitch, scored on the double play.

Delmon Young home run (9/3/2011)

Photo by Matt Harding / In Play! Magazine

In the fifth inning, the Tigers did a little more than scrape across runs. Brandon Inge led off with a walk. Omir Santos followed him with a solid single to center field. A sacrifice bunt from Austin Jackson moved up both runners. Inge scored on a Magglio Ordonez single; Maggs has a 15-game hit streak. Young followed him with a 3-run home run to left field. The Orioles four run lead had quickly evaporated.

The O's came back in the sixth with Adam Jones scoring on a ground ball after singling, stealing second, and moving over to third on a grounder.

After a scoreless seventh and eighth, the Tigers led off the ninth inning with Jhonny Peralta weakly knocking the ball in between the pitcher and catcher. Don Kelly pinch hit for Inge; he flew out to the left fielder. Alex Avila pinch hit for Santos. He simply grounded out to first base. Just like that, the AL Central Division Champs lost 6-5.

Read In Play! Magazine Here

TIGERS ANNOUNCE 2012 HOME SCHEDULE

In Play on Facebook

Season Opens at Home on April 5 versus Boston Red Sox

DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers today released their 2012 home schedule, which features 81 games at Comerica Park, including contests against American League Central Division rivals, Interleague games against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Colorado Rockies and St. Louis Cardinals, as well as a season-opening series against the Boston Red Sox and two visits from the New York Yankees.

A charter member of the American League since 1901, the Tigers will begin their 112^th season at home when the club welcomes the Boston Red Sox for a three-game series, April 5-8 at Comerica Park. The club also welcomes the Tampa Bay Rays during the season-opening homestand for a three-game series April 10-12.

The Tigers welcome the New York Yankees for a three-game series June 1-3 and a four-game series August 6-9. The Tigers host the Pittsburgh Pirates for the first series of Interleague play May 18-20 and then host an Interleague homestand against the Colorado Rockies June 15-17 and St. Louis Cardinals June 19-21.

The Tigers will give away a 2012 Detroit Tigers Magnet Schedule to the first 10,000 fans prior to the game on September 24 versus Baltimore, courtesy of Medical Weight Loss Clinic.

Fans may also pick up a 2012 home schedule at remaining 2011 home games, September 22-25 vs. Baltimore, and September 26-28 vs. Cleveland.

2012 DETROIT TIGERS HOME SCHEDULE

Thursday, April 5, Boston, 1:05 p.m.
April 7, Boston, 1:05 p.m.
April 8, Boston, 1:05 p.m.
April 10, Tampa Bay, 1:05 p.m.
April 11, Tampa Bay, 1:05 p.m.
April 12, Tampa Bay, 1:05 p.m.
April 19, Texas, 7:05 p.m.
April 20, Texas, 7:05 p.m.
April 21, Texas, 1:05 p.m.
April 22, Texas, 1:05 p.m.
April 24, Seattle, 7:05 p.m.
April 25, Seattle, 7:05 p.m.
April 26, Seattle, 1:05 p.m.
April 30, Kansas City, 7:05 p.m.
May 1, Kansas City, 7:05 p.m.
May 2, Kansas City, 7:05 p.m.
May 4, Chicago, 7:05 p.m.
May 5, Chicago, 1:05 p.m.
May 6, Chicago, 1:05 p.m.
May 16, Minnesota, 7:05 p.m.
May 17, Minnesota, 1:05 p.m.
May 18, Pittsburgh, 7:05 p.m.
May 19, Pittsburgh, 7:05 p.m.
May 20, Pittsburgh, 1:05 p.m.
June 1, New York, 7:05 p.m.
June 2, New York, 7:05 p.m.
June 3, New York, 1:05 p.m.
June 5, Cleveland, 7:05 p.m.
June 6, Cleveland, 7:05 p.m.
June 7, Cleveland, 1:05 p.m.
June 15, Colorado, 7:05 p.m.
June 16, Colorado, 7:05 p.m.
June 17, Colorado, 1:05 p.m.
June 19, St. Louis, 7:05 p.m.
June 20, St. Louis, 7:05 p.m.
June 21, St. Louis, 1:05 p.m.
July 2, Minnesota, 7:05 p.m.
July 3, Minnesota, 7:05 p.m.
July 4, Minnesota, 7:05 p.m.
July 5, Minnesota, 1:05 p.m.
July 6, Kansas City, 7:05 p.m.
July 7, Kansas City, 7:05 p.m.
July 8, Kansas City, 1:05 p.m.
July 16, LA Angels, 7:05 p.m.
July 17, LA Angels, 7:05 p.m.
July 18, LA Angels, 7:05 p.m.
July 19, LA Angels, 1:05 p.m.
July 20, Chicago, 7:05 p.m.
July 21, Chicago, 7:05 p.m.
July 22, Chicago, 1:05 p.m.
August 3, Cleveland, 7:05 p.m.
August 4, Cleveland, 7:05 p.m.
August 5, Cleveland, 1:05 p.m.
August 6, New York, 7:05 p.m.
August 7, New York, 7:05 p.m.
August 8, New York, 7:05 p.m.
August 9, New York, 1:05 p.m.
August 17, Baltimore, 7:05 p.m.
August 18, Baltimore, 7:05 p.m.
August 19, Baltimore, 1:05 p.m.
August 21, Toronto, 7:05 p.m.
August 22, Toronto, 7:05 p.m.
August 23, Toronto, 1:05 p.m.
August 24, LA Angels, 7:05 p.m.
August 25, LA Angels, 7:05 p.m.
August 26, LA Angels, 1:05 p.m.
August 31, Chicago, 7:05 p.m.
September 1, Chicago, 7:05 p.m.
September 2, Chicago, 1:05 p.m.
September 3, Cleveland, 1:05 p.m.
September 4, Cleveland, 7:05 p.m.
September 5, Cleveland, 7:05 p.m.
September 18, Oakland, 7:05 p.m.
September 19, Oakland, 7:05 p.m.
September 20, Oakland, 1:05 p.m.
September 21, Minnesota, 7:05 p.m.
September 22, Minnesota, 7:05 p.m.
September 23, Minnesota, 1:05 p.m.
September 25, Kansas City, 7:05 p.m.
September 26, Kansas City, 7:05 p.m.
September 27, Kansas City, 1:05 p.m.

Read In Play! Magazine Here

JUSTIN VERLANDER NAMED DETROIT TIGERS NOMINEE FOR THE 2011 ROBERTO CLEMENTE AWARD PRESENTED BY CHEVROLET

In Play on Facebook

Major League Baseball and Chevrolet, the official vehicle of Major League Baseball, today announced that Justin Verlander was named the Detroit Tigers 2011 nominee for the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet. Verlander is one of the 30 Club finalists for the annual award, which recognizes a Major League Baseball player who best represents the game of baseball through positive contributions on and off the field, including sportsmanship and community involvement.

Tomorrow will mark the tenth annual Roberto Clemente Day, which was established by Major League Baseball to honor Clemente’s legacy and to officially recognize local Club nominees of the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet.

The Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet pays tribute to Clemente’s achievements and character by recognizing current players who truly understand the value of helping others. It is named for the 12-time MLB All-Star and Hall of Famer who died in a plane crash on New Year’s Eve 1972 while attempting to deliver supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua.  

This season, Justin Verlander and the Detroit Tigers teamed up for the very special Verlander’s Victory for Veterans Program, which began in May and has continued through each of his home starts. Verlander has hosted Veterans throughout the season from the John D. Dingell Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Detroit and the Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System. The hosted Veterans sustained injuries or illness in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom or in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.

 

The Veterans along with their families have continued to cheer on the Tigers from the comfort of Verlander’s personal luxury suite. After serving our country, Verlander’s Victory for Veterans has provided American Veterans with the special opportunity to enjoy a Tigers game with their family. Verlander is scheduled to be recognized for his nomination during a special on-field pregame ceremony at Comerica Park during the last homestand of the season.

"Justin Verlander is quite deserving of his nomination for the Roberto Clemente Award," said Elaine Lewis, Tigers' Vice President of Community Affairs and Strategic Planning. "Justin's dedication to the community exemplifies the character of the Detroit Tigers both on and off the field."

Read In Play! Magazine Here

Tigers win eighth straight on a walk-off home run

By Matt Harding

In Play on Facebook

Having entered Saturday's game winning 17 of their last 21 games, the Tigers looked to keep up with their winning ways. They had Max Scherzer on the mound facing off against the Twins' Anthony Swarzak.

After a scoreless first inning, the Twins got things moving in the second. Chris Parmelee got on base and went from first to third on a single by Joe Benson; the hit was Benson's first as a big leaguer. Scherzer then picked off Benson while Brian Dinkelman grounded out to third base. The runner on third still did not score. Scherzer finally got out of trouble after Luke Hughes flew out to Delmon Young, who made a great catch on the warning track.

Hitless through two innings, the Tigers started up the bats in the third. Although Jhonny Peralta led off the inning by striking out, Wilson Betemit crushed a home run to right field right after him.

Wilson Betemit gave the Tigers an early 1-0 lead

Photo by Matt Harding / In Play! Magazine

That 1-0 lead didn't hold up for too long. Joe Mauer cranked an opposite field home run, tying the game at one apiece. The Tigers threatened in the fourth; Andy Dirks led off with a ground

rule double to deep center field. He was moved over to third on a Miguel Cabrera ground ball. Dirks scored on a Victor Martinez single. Score: 2-1 Tigers.

Minnesota would tie it up in the sixth with a couple of hits and a sacrifice fly. By the bottom of the inning, with the Tigers at the plate, the shadows crept in between the batter's box and the pitcher's mound. Young struck out swinging and Cabrera grounded out to the second baseman. Martinez didn't seem to be affected by the shadows and drew a walk. Avila flew out to left.

Martinez went 1 for 3 with a walk

Photo by Matt Harding / In Play! Magazine

The seventh inning began with a double off the bat of Benson. After getting his first MLB hit in the second inning, this would be his first extra base hit. However, nothing would come of it as Scherzer struck out two batters.

The Tigers got something cooking in the bottom of the inning as Ramon Santiago doubled and Austin Jackson walked (his second of the game). Dirks couldn't come through, however, and flew out to center field.

Heading into the eighth, the Tigers had two runs on five hits and so did the Twins. Scherzer was taken out of the game for reliever Phil Coke. Scherzer pitched seven strong innings and was responsible for the five hits and two runs; he also walked three and struck out six Minnesota batters.

Peralta did plenty of swinging and missing with his three strikeouts

Photo by Matt Harding / In Play! Magazine

Coke came into the game throwing strikes and got three quick outs. As for the Tigers, they came into the eighth with their 3-4-5 hitters. Young grounded out weakly to the second baseman. Cabrera flew out to right field; Martinez hit a ball to deep center field that was caught.

Al Alburquerque came in during the top of the ninth and shut down the Twins offense. Still tied 2-2 going into the bottom of the ninth, the Tigers looked to stay away from extra innings and get the walk off base hit. Could Avila do it? How about Peralta, who had accrued a hat-trick's worth of strikeout? Or could it be the sub-.200 hitter Brandon Inge, who had replaced Wilson Betemit defensively the previous inning?

It wasn't Avila; he grounded out to the shortstop. Nor was it Peralta, although, he didn't strike out for the fourth time.

That sub-.200 hitter I just mentioned... it was HIM! Inge hit a no-doubter to the left field stands, giving the Tigers their eighth straight victory.

After tomorrow's series finale, the club begins a nine-game road trip to Chicago, Oakland, and Kansas City. Stay tuned for photos from after the game tomorrow. And, as always, Go Tigers!

Read In Play! Magazine Here

Tigers win first game in Twins series, 8-4

By Matt Harding

In Play on Facebook

The first game of the weekend series against the Minnesota Twins began with a 51 minute rain delay. The first inning seemed to go by almost as slowly. Brad Penny threw 44 pitches, gave up four runs on four hits. That took only about 20 minutes.

After going 1-2-3 in the first, the Tigers came back with a vengeance in the second. After singles from Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez, Alex Avila blasted a 358 ft. home run to the opposite field. To this point, the Tigers were still down 4-3.

Alex Avila in the batter's box

Photo by Matt Harding / In Play! Magazine

In the fourth, still down by a run, the Tigs started clawing at the deficit. Avila, who led off, was hit by a pitch. Following a flyout off the bat of Jhonny Peralta, Wilson Betemit tripled down the line in right, scoring Avila. The next batter, Ramon Santiago, hit a home run into the second row in right field. The Tigers now held the lead by a score of 6-4. A lead-off home run in the fifth off the bat of Delmon Young made the score 7-4.

After scoreless six and seventh innings, the Tigers scored yet again in the eighth. After doubling and going to third on a passed ball, Avila scored his 100th run of the season, making it 8-4.

The Tigers brought in closer Jose Valverde in the ninth, even though it wasn't a save situation. He, however, did his job nonetheless.

FINAL SCORE at Comerica Park: 8-4.

Brad Penny went five innings, giving up four earned runs on five hits; he also walked three and struck out one.

Read In Play! Magazine Here

Tigers sweep White Sox convincingly, winning 18-2 on Sunday

By Matt Harding

In Play on Facebook

Coming into the final game of a three-game series against the Chicago White Sox, the Tigers held a commanding series lead. Justin Verlander won his 21st game of the season on Friday in what was the first game of the series. They won with a score of 8-1.

Saturday afternoon's ballgame was an "on the edge of your seat" game; the Tigers were losing 8-1, the same score they won by on the previous day. Things started to turn around in the fifth inning, and, before the rain delay, they were only down by three. And obviously, if you're an adamant fan, you know of the late inning heroics by Ryan Raburn and Miguel Cabrera.

Cabrera after his walk-off home run on Saturday

Photo by Matt Harding / In Play! Magazine

Sunday's match-up saw Max Scherzer facing off against longtime White Sock Mark Buehrle. The home team got off to an early lead after an Austin Jackson double to lead off of the game. Victor Martinez knocked him in with a single. And with that, the Tigs were off to a 1-0 lead.

After a scoreless second inning, the Tigers came pouncing back in the third. With two men on and a 3-2 count on Martinez, Jim Leyland made the gutsy call to send the runners (there was only one out). The call paid off as V-Mart knocked a liner to left field, scoring Magglio Ordonez. A single by Alex Avila scored Delmon Young. After a botched double play, Martinez would score.

Martinez has had a great series against the White Sox

Photo by Matt Harding / In Play! Magazine

Ahead to the fourth inning, Brandon Inge started off with an opposite field single. After an Austin Jackson walk and an Ordonez sacrifice fly, Young singled and Cabrera doubled. With Cabby on second base, Mark Buehrle was removed from the game after giving up seven earned runs on ten hits. He gave way to Addison Reed, who was making his Major League debut. Reed faced Martinez, who popped up to the second baseman. The second batter he faced, Avila, fared better; he drove in Cabrera. That run would be attributed to Buehrle.

The next run, however, was attributed to Reed. He gave up an RBI single to Peralta. Raburn then singled, giving way to Inge; he struck out swinging. The score: 9-0.

In the sixth, the Tigers piled it on, scoring seven more runs. The last two of those runs came on a Cabrera home run; the score remained at 16-0 until the eighth where Andy Dirks, who was a pinch hitter for Delmon Young during a prior at-bat, hit a two-run home run.

With 18 runs on 24 hits, a season best for both, the Tigers routed the White Sox in the final game of the series. Of course, the White Sox didn't lay down entirely. They scored two runs on reliever Duane Below. Still, 18-2?! Holy cow! The Tigers have an afternoon game on Monday against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field.

Read In Play! Magazine Here

ALEX AVILA TO SIGN PHOTO CARDS AT VERIZON STORE IN LIVONIA

In Play on Facebook

WHAT: Alex Avila Appearance at Verizon Store in Livonia

WHEN: Tuesday, August 30 (12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.)

WHERE: Verizon Store (Inside Walmart)
29555 Plymouth Road
Livonia, MI
WHY: Detroit Tigers catcher and 2011 All-Star Alex Avila is scheduled to greet fans and sign photo cards tomorrow, August 30, at the Verizon Store inside Walmart in Livonia.

Only complimentary photo cards will be signed. Limit one per person, while supplies last. No other items will be signed.

Read In Play! Magazine Here

SUNDAY'S GAME TIME MOVED FROM 1:05 P.M. TO 8:09 P.M.

In Play on Facebook

TIGERS TO BE FEATURED ON ESPN SUNDAY NIGHT
BASEBALL ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4

DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers announced today that their Sunday, September 4 contest against the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park, originally scheduled for 1:05 p.m. will be moved to 8:09 p.m. and be broadcast nationally on ESPN2 as part of ESPN Sunday Night Baseball.

All tickets already purchased for the scheduled 1:05 p.m. start time will be honored. No ticket exchange is necessary.

Read In Play! Magazine Here

Tigers to Sign Autgraphs at ABC Warehouse Saturday

In Play on Facebook

AL ALBURQUERQUE AND PHIL COKE TO SIGN
AUTOGRAPHS SATURDAY AT ABC WAREHOUSE
IN DEARBORN AS PART OF
GLOVES FOR KIDS PROGRAM

WHAT:         Gloves for Kids Autograph Signing

WHEN:         Saturday, August 20, 2011 (12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.)

WHERE:         ABC Warehouse
                15253 Michigan Avenue
                Dearborn, MI 48126        
       
WHY:         Gloves for Kids is a program designed to provide Detroit’s youth with the sporting equipment necessary to participate in organized baseball and softball. During select dates in May, June and July, Detroit Tigers players made appearances along with representatives from WXYT and WWJ AM (CBS Radio) at various Metro Detroit ABC Warehouse locations. Similar to past visits, Tigers players will sign autographs in exchange for donations of new or gently used baseball and softball equipment such as gloves, cleats, bats, balls, shin guards etc. Monetary donations are also accepted. CBS Radio stations and the Tigers will also collect equipment at Comerica Park on September 10.

Read In Play! Magazine Here

TIGERS SEND LESTER OLIVEROS TO MINNESOTA AS THE PLAYER TO BE NAMED LATER IN DELMON YOUNG DEAL

In Play on Facebook

DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers today announced the club has traded righthanded pitcher Lester Oliveros to the Minnesota Twins as the player to be named later to complete yesterday’s trade in which outfielder Delmon Young was acquired.

Oliveros appeared in nine games with the Tigers in 2011, posting a 5.63 ERA (8.0IP/5ER). He posted a 1-3 record, 6.43 ERA (28.0IP/20ER) and five saves in 22 appearances with Triple A Toledo. Oliveros saw action in 10 games with Double A Erie, compiling a 2-0 record, 0.53 ERA (17.0IP/1ER) and 28 strikeouts.

Oliveros will be assigned to Triple A Rochester by the Twins organization.

Read In Play! Magazine Here

STATEMENT FROM JIM LEYLAND ON HIS CONTRACT EXTENSION

In Play on Facebook

DETROIT – The following is a statement from Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland on his contract extension through the 2012 season:

“I want to thank Mr. Ilitch and Dave Dombrowski for the support and confidence they have shown in me and I look forward to managing the Detroit Tigers in 2012. Also, my many thanks go out to generations of Tigers fans who have supported the Tigers through the good times as well as the tough times. I’m proud to take the responsibility to assure Mr. Ilitch, Dave and our many fans that we will never fall short of doing everything we can to maintain the pride of our organization and our fans.”

Read In Play! Magazine Here

DAVID DOMBROWSKI AND TIGERS AGREE TO A FOUR-YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION; MANAGER JIM LEYLAND EXTENDED THROUGH 2012 SEASON

In Play on Facebook

DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers announced today the club and President, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager David Dombrowski have agreed on a four-year contract extension through 2015. In addition the contract of Tigers Manager Jim Leyland was extended through the 2012 season. In accordance with team policy, additional terms of the deals were not disclosed.

“Dave has built a solid foundation for this organization and assembled competitive teams that give us a chance to win year in and year out. We have a lot of confidence in his continued leadership of the Detroit Tigers,” said Owner/Director Michael Ilitch. “I am pleased Dave has agreed to continue to lead our organization.” Regarding Manager Jim Leyland, Mr. Ilitch added, “I know Jim shares our desire to deliver a winner. We’re pleased to have him continue leading the Detroit Tigers on the field.”

Dombrowski, in his 10th season with the Tigers, and his 33rd in professional baseball, was named the club’s president and chief executive officer on November 5, 2001, before adding the role of general manager on April 8, 2002. The Tigers captured the American League Pennant in 2006, Dombrowski’s fifth season with the club.

“I am grateful for the continued opportunity Mr. Ilitch has given me to run this franchise, and I am equally appreciative of the unwavering support he has demonstrated the past ten seasons in our efforts to bring a World Championship back to Detroit,” Dombrowski said.

Prior to joining the Tigers, Dombrowski served as the president and general manager of the Florida Marlins. He was named the Marlins first executive vice president and general manager on September 19, 1991, and he added the duties of president on March 1, 2000. Dombrowski was the architect of the 1997 World Series Champions Marlins.

Leyland is in sixth season as the manager of the Tigers, compiling a 485-442 record (.523). He led the Tigers to the 2006 World Series and is 15 wins shy of becoming the fifth manager in Tigers history to register 500 victories with the club. Leyland, now in his 20th season as a major league manager, registered the 1,500th win of his career on April 15 at Oakland, becoming just the 19th manager in major league history to accomplish the feat.

“We’re delighted Jim will continue as Tigers manager through the 2012 season,” said Dombrowski. “He has led the Tigers to a World Series, and guided a contending team on a consistent basis during his tenure as manager. Jim’s managerial record and accomplishments speak for themselves.”

In related announcements, the Tigers have also extended the contracts of Vice President/Assistant General Manager Al Avila, Vice President, Amateur Scouting/Special Assistant to the General Manager David Chadd, Vice President, Player Personnel Scott Reid, and Vice President, Baseball Legal Counsel John Westhoff.

“Collectively, it’s as fine a group of quality baseball people as you will find,” said Dombrowski. “They continue to make significant contributions to the organization.”

The Tigers also promoted Duane McLean to Executive Vice President, Business Operations. “Duane does a great job of running the day-to-day business operations and the title change reflects the additional responsibilities he continues to take on,” Dombrowski said.

Read In Play! Magazine Here

TIGERS ACQUIRE DOUG FISTER AND DAVID PAULEY FROM MARINERS

In Play on Facebook

DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers today announced the club has acquired righthanded pitchers Doug Fister and David Pauley from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for lefthanded pitcher Charlie Furbush, third baseman Francisco Martinez, outfielder Casper Wells and a player to be named later on or before August 20.

Fister, 27, started 21 games for the Mariners this season, posting a 3-12 record and 3.33 ERA (146.0IP/54ER). He fanned 89 batters with Seattle this season, while surrendering 139 hits and issuing 32 walks. Fister is tied for seventh among all American League pitchers with 2.0 walks per nine innings.

In three seasons at the major league level with the Mariners (2009-11), Fister has compiled a 3.81 ERA (378.0IP/160ER) in 60 appearances (59 starts). He is third among all American League pitchers since the start of the 2009 season with 1.88 walks per nine innings.

Pauley, 28, has appeared in 39 games with Seattle in 2011, compiling a 5-4 record and 2.15 ERA (54.1IP/13ER). He has limited opponents to a .200 batting average (38x190) this season, while fanning 34 batters and issuing 16 walks. Pauley is tied for the lead among all American League relievers with five wins.

In four seasons at the major league level with the Boston Red Sox (2006, 2008) and Mariners (2010-11), Pauley has posted a 4.36 ERA (173.1IP/84ER) in 67 outings (20 starts).

The Tigers will announce corresponding roster moves when Fister and Pauley report to the club.

Furbush, 25, compiled a 1-3 record and 3.62 ERA (32.1IP/13ER) in 17 appearances (two starts) with the Tigers this season. He finished 5-3 with a 3.17 ERA (54.0IP/19ER) in 10 outings (nine starts) with Triple A Toledo in 2011. Furbush will join the Mariners at the major league level.

Martinez, 20, saw action in 91 games with Double A Erie in 2011, batting .282 (98x348) with 14 doubles, four triples, seven home runs and 46 RBI. He will be assigned to Double A Jackson by the Mariners.

Wells, 26, hit .257 (29x113) with 10 doubles, four home runs and 12 RBI in 64 games with the Tigers in 2011. He batted .370 (10x27) with two doubles, two triples, two home runs and six RBI in seven games with Triple A Toledo this season. Wells will join the Mariners at the major league level.

Read In Play! Magazine Here

TIGERS ACQUIRE WILSON BETEMIT FROM KANSAS CITY ROYALS IN EXCHANGE FOR ANTONIO CRUZ AND JULIO RODRIGUEZ

In Play on Facebook

DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers today announced the club has acquired third baseman Wilson Betemit from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for lefthanded pitcher Antonio Cruz and catcher Julio Rodriguez.

Betemit, 29, batted .281 (57x203) with 15 doubles, a triple, three home runs and 27 RBI in 57 games with the Royals in 2011. He has primarily played third base for the Royals this season, seeing action in 47 games at the position. Additionally, Betemit saw action at first base (three games) and second base (one game) with Kansas City.

A veteran of nine seasons at the major league level with the Atlanta Braves (2001, 2004-06), Los Angeles Dodgers (2006-07), New York Yankees (2007-08), Chicago White Sox (2009) and Royals (2010-11), Betemit has posted a .268 batting average (434x1622), 100 doubles, five triples, 58 home runs and 224 RBI in 657 games during his career.

The Tigers will announce a corresponding roster when Betemit reports to the club.

Cruz, 19, posted a 2-6 record, 3.11 ERA (75.1IP/26ER), one save and 58 strikeouts in 22 outings (10 starts) with Single A West Michigan in 2011.

Rodriguez, 21, saw action in 66 games with Single A Lakeland this season, hitting .283 (64x226) with 11 doubles, a triple, home run and 27 RBI.

Read In Play! Magazine Here

SECOND HALF OF THE SEASON BEGINS AS TIGERS FACE CENTRAL DIVISION-RIVAL CHICAGO WHITE SOX

In Play on Facebook

HOMESTAND HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE FRIDAY NIGHT FIREWORKS, NEGRO LEAGUES WEEKEND, JHONNY PERALTA REPLICA GLOVE, MADE IN DETROIT COLLEGE NIGHT AND CHRISTMAS IN JULY

DETROIT – The Tigers begin the second half of the season this Friday as they host their division-rival Chicago White Sox (July 15-17) and Oakland Athletics (July 19-20) during a five-game homestand at Comerica Park. The White Sox series begins with a 7:05 p.m. start on Friday, continues with a 4:10 p.m. start on Saturday, and concludes with a 1:05 p.m. start on Sunday. Tuesday and Wednesday’s contests against Oakland will both begin at 7:05 p.m.

Read In Play! Magazine Here

Guillen's Injury Rehab Assignment Transferred to Erie

In Play on Facebook

The Tigers today announced the club has transferred the injury rehabilitation assignment of second baseman Carlos Guillen from Triple A Toledo to Double A Erie. Guillen will join the SeaWolves to play tonight with the club at Akron. Toledo begins the club's all-star break today and returns to action on Thursday versus Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Guillen is scheduled to have his injury rehabilitation assignment transferred back to Toledo by the Tigers on Thursday.

Read In Play! Magazine Here

Rick Knapp Relieved of Duties as Tigers Pitching Coach

In Play on Facebook

TIGERS NAME JEFF JONES AS CLUB’S PITCHING COACH
Mike Rojas Joins Staff as Bullpen Coach,

DETROIT --- The Detroit Tigers today announced the club has named Jeff Jones the club’s pitching coach and Mike Rojas will join the major league coaching staff as the team’s bullpen coach. Rick Knapp has been relieved of his duties as the club’s pitching coach.

Jones has served as Detroit’s bullpen coach since being named to the position by Jim Leyland on November 9, 2006. He began his professional coaching career with the Tigers organization in 1989, serving as a pitching coach at the minor league level throughout the years with Single A Fayetteville (1989), Double A London (1991-92), Double A Jacksonville (1996) and Triple A Toledo (1990, 1993-94, 1997-98, 2000-06). Jones worked as the bullpen coach in Detroit in 1995, the final month of the 1998 season and all of 1999, in addition to joining the major league staff to serve the remainder of the season in that role on both September 7, 2000 and April 9, 2002.

Jones was selected by Oakland in the 13^th round of the June 1977 draft and his pitching career spanned 11 seasons (1977-87). He saw action at the major league level during five seasons with Oakland (1980-84).

Rojas joined the Tigers organization in 2004 to serve as the manager at Single A Oneonta. He spent two seasons as the manager at Single A Lakeland (2005-06) and one as the manager at Triple A Toledo (2007) before he worked three seasons as the organization’s minor league field coordinator (2008-10). Rojas was named Detroit’s Director of Player Development on August 6, 2010, a role he held until being named to the major league coaching staff today.

Rojas will join the club in Anaheim on Monday as the Tigers begin a seven-game road trip leading up to the all-star break. Tigers Vice President/Assistant General Manager Al Avila will continue to oversee the organization’s player development operation, receiving additional assistance from the club’s Vice President, Amateur Scouting/Special Assistant to the General Manager David Chadd and Avila will continue working directly with Kevin Bradshaw (minor league field coordinator) and Jon Matlack (minor league pitching coordinator).

Knapp joined the Tigers as the club’s pitching coach on October 17, 2008. Prior to joining the Tigers, he served 12 seasons as the minor league pitching coordinator with the Minnesota Twins (1997-2008).

Read In Play! Magazine Here

Tigers win final game in Giants series, 6-3

By Matt Harding

In Play on Facebook

Rick Porcello had been less than stellar coming into today's game against the San Francisco Giants. That'd change today. In seven innings, Porcello gave up three runs on five hits, striking out six batters. No -- not the best outing, but certainly not the worst. Joaquin Benoit would relieve him in the eighth, getting out of the inning with a spectacular diving catch by Ryan Raburn in left field.

Rick Porcello warms up in between innings

Photo by Matt Harding / In Play! Magazine

Closer Jose Valverde, in his first outing after being voted a 2011 All-Star, received his 20th save of the season. Papa Grande gave up a base hit, walked one, and struck out the final batter.

Brennan Boesch hit a solo home run to get things started for the Tigers in the fourth inning. At that point the game was tied 1-1. Magglio Ordonez knocked a 2-RBI single up the middle in the seventh inning making the game 4-3 in Detroit's favor.

Boesch hive-fives Gene Lamont after his home run

Photo by Matt Harding / In Play! Magazine

In the eighth, Brandon Inge gave the Tigers some insurance runs with his 2-RBI triple. Those runs, scored by Alex Avila (voted as the starting catcher for his first All-Star Game today) and Ramon Santiago, would be the final runs of the game for either team.

All-Star Alex Avila

Photo by Matt Harding / In Play! Magazine

Before the All-Star Break, the Tigers start a three game set in Anaheim against the Angels (Mon-Wed) and a four game series in Kansas City against the Royals (Thurs-Sun). Major League Baseball's Home Run Derby and All-Star Game will be the following Monday and Tuesday, respectively.

Read In Play! Magazine Here

TIGERS TODAY SUNDAY JULY 3

In Play on Facebook

TIGERS AT A GLANCE

Record: 44-40 / Streak: L2

Game #85 / Home #46

Home: 26-19 / Road: 18-21

TV/Radio

FSD/AM 1270 & 97.1 FM

TIGERS VS. GIANTS

SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2011- 1:05 p.m.

DETROIT TIGERS (44-40)

RHP Rick Porcello (6-6, 5.06)

vs. SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS (48-36)

RHP Ryan Vogelsong (6-1, 2.09)

RECENT RESULTS:

Comerica Park. Max Scherzer (9-4) took the loss for Detroit after allowing nine runs

(six earned) in two innings of work. Jhonny Peralta and Brennan Boesch both belted

solo home runs for the Tigers, while Ryan Raburn finished with a single, double and

an RBI. The Tigers conclude a 10-game homestand today with the final game of a

three-game series versus the Giants. Following this afternoon’s game, the club hits

the road for a seven-game trip to Anaheim and Kansas City.

The Tigers suffered a 15-3 loss to the Giants last night at

WILK RECALLED, VILLARREAL OPTIONED:

contract of lefthanded pitcher Adam Wilk from Triple A Toledo. Wilk has started 10

games for the Mud Hens in 2011, posting a 4-5 record and 3.75 ERA (60.0IP/25ER).

Detroit optioned the contract of righthanded pitcher Brayan Villarreal to Toledo following

last night’s game versus San Francisco.

The Tigers today have recalled the

WINNING WAYS:

May 3, a .582 winning percentage. The Tigers are third among all American League

clubs with a .582 winning percentage during that stretch. The Red Sox have

compiled a 35-19 record during the stretch, a .648 winning percentage,

while the Yankees have posted a 33-22 record, a .600 winning percentage.

Detroit has won 32 of the club’s last 55 games dating back to

INTERLEAGUE HAPPENINGS:

of the club’s 18 games during interleague play in 2011. Since interleague play

started in 1997, the Tigers have compiled a 140-124 record. The Tigers are 68-39

in interleague games at Comerica Park. Detroit is 6-11 during interleague action in

2011.

Today’s contest against the Giants is Detroit’s last

ON THE OFFENSIVE:

scored, 48 doubles, nine triples and 36 home runs over the club’s last 29 games

dating back to June 3. Detroit is tops among all American League clubs with a .298

batting average during that stretch, while the club is tied for the lead with 36 home

runs, is second with a .470 slugging percentage and third with 146 runs scored.

The Tigers are batting .298 (302x1012) with 146 runs

VICTOR AT THE BAT:

home runs and 21 RBI over his last 34 games dating back to May 27. He is tops

among all American League players with a .381 batting average during that stretch.

Victor Martinez is hitting .381 (48x126) with 10 doubles, two

BOESCH IS BASHING:

seven home runs and 14 RBI over his last 28 games dating back to June 3. He

leads the American League with 44 hits during that stretch, while he is second with

a .400 batting average, fourth with a .673 slugging percentage and tied for ninth

with seven home runs.

Brennan Boesch is hitting .400 (44x110) with nine doubles,

GAME BALL DELIVERY:

Griswold of the United States Army from Edmore, Michigan. Specialist Griswold

recently returned from his first tour of duty in Iraq.

Today’s game ball will be delivered by Specialist Adam

KIDS DAY:

will receive an “Every Kid Every Sunday” Justin Verlander Superhero Cape, courtesy

of Little Caesars. Kids can also enjoy free rides on the Comerica Bank Carousel or

the Fly Ball Ferris Wheel courtesy of Red Robin, free face painting at Gates A and B

and free hair spray painting courtesy of Great Clips. Additionally, there is a chance

for all kids to win a bicycle, compliments of Meijer. After the game all children are

invited down to the field for Kids Run the Bases, courtesy of Pepsi.

All Sunday home games are Kids Days at Comerica Park. Today all kids

TODAY’S TIDBITS

• Today’s national anthem will be performed

by Lori Adams.

• Today’s first pitch will be thrown out by a

Kids Club Raffle Winner.

Read In Play! Magazine Here