The Detroit Tigers open a three-game interleague series on the road Monday against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Detroit is 64-73 following a 7-4 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday. The Tigers have lost six of the last eight and Detroit is third in the American League Central, 15 ½ games behind the first-place Chicago White Sox.
Jonathan Schoop is batting .285 to lead Detroit and the second baseman has team highs in RBIs with 72 and hits with 150. Left fielder Robbie Grossman is the leader in home runs with 21 and on-base percentage at .355. On Monday, Detroit will send Tarik Skubal to the mound. The left-hander is 8-12 with an ERA of 4.26, 150 Ks and 45 BBs.
Pittsburgh is 48-88 following a 7-6 loss to the Chicago Cubs on Saturday. Pittsburgh has lost each of its first three games of a four-game series with the Cubs and the Pirates have lost five straight overall. Pittsburgh is last in the National League Central 34 ½ games behind the first-place Milwaukee Brewers.
Bryan Reynolds has a . 298 batting average, 21 home runs, 77 RBIs, 141 hits and an on-base percentage of .388 to lead Pittsburgh in all five categories. The next closest home run hitter is Gregory Polanco with only 11. On Monday, Pittsburgh will send Bryse Wilson to the mound. The right-hander is 2-6 with an ERA of 4.61, 37 Ks and 14 BBs.
