Tigers at Angels
Rookie Matt Thaiss is displaying signs that he is getting comfortable against major-league pitchers. The 24-year-old third baseman seeks his fourth consecutive multi-hit performance when the Los Angeles Angels conclude their three-game series against the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday afternoon.
Thaiss went 2-for-4 with a homer and three RBIs in Tuesday's 6-1 victory, marking the third time he has driven in three runs over his last 10 games. The Angels are just 2-4 on their seven-game homestand against American League doormats Baltimore and Detroit. The Tigers have lost seven of their last eight contests and 15 of 18 since the All-Star break as they are a dismal 6-33 in their last 39 games. Detroit went just 1-of-9 with runners in scoring position on Tuesday as it dropped to 2-16 against AL West squads, with both wins coming against the Angels.
TV: 4:07 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, FS West (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH Daniel Norris (2-8, 4.89 ERA) vs. Angels LH Jose Suarez (2-1, 5.35)
Norris has lost seven consecutive decisions since defeating Minnesota on May 12. The 26-year-old pitched well against Seattle in his last turn as he gave up two runs and five hits while matching his season high of eight strikeouts in 6 1/3 innings of a no-decision. Norris is 0-2 with a 4.32 ERA in three career starts against the Angels, including a loss on May 7 in which he permitted three runs and five hits in five frames.
Suarez has settled for a no-decision in each of his last five starts. The 21-year-old allowed two runs and four hits in 4 1/3 innings against Baltimore in his last turn, when he registered six strikeouts and issued just one walk. Suarez has worked a season-best 5 2/3 innings on two occasions - winning both times.
WALK-OFFS
1. Tigers C Jake Rogers, part of the return when Justin Verlander was traded to Houston late in the 2017 season, went 2-for-4 with an RBI on Tuesday in his major-league debut.
2. Los Angeles C Kevan Smith (toe) was scratched from the lineup prior to Tuesday's game.
3. Detroit purchased the contract of Rogers and recalled LF Victor Reyes from Triple-A Toledo while C Bobby Wilson was sent outright to the Mud Hens and OF Christin Stewart was placed on the 7-day concussion list.