While the Detroit Tigers have been surging toward a playoff berth, Andy Ibanez has been struggling at the plate. The infielder/utility man, known for his success against left-handed pitching, is hitting just .175 (7-for-40) since August 26. All seven of his hits during this slump have been singles.
Despite his recent struggles, Ibanez is leading off in Thursday afternoon's game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Why? Because the Rays are starting left-hander Tyler Alexander.
"We’re facing two lefties in a row -- today and Friday -- so Andy will get some consistent at-bats, which is good," said Tigers manager A.J. Hinch. "He wants it so badly when he’s in there, and sometimes that makes him a bit over-anxious, maybe swinging too much. Nobody is more prepared than him, and no one has more energy in their at-bats than Andy."
Ibanez's role as a neutralizer of left-handers will become even more crucial if the Tigers reach the playoffs. That's why the Tigers are eager to see him rediscover his form in the final days of the regular season.
"It’s important as we play these games and build our lineups. Andy, J-Hen, and (Matt) Vierling, when he’s not starting, become critical elements off the bench. Tonight, with a lefty starter, we want Andy to get as many at-bats as possible. Hopefully, he can kick-start us in the first inning."
Facing a Tough Test
The Tigers will face a tough test in their upcoming series against the Chicago White Sox. Hinch was not offended when White Sox interim manager Grady Sizemore saved ace Garrett Crochet to face the Tigers on Friday. Sizemore reasoned that the White Sox, despite enduring one of the worst seasons in baseball history, should still be prepared to put up a good fight against their division rival in what could be a crucial final series.
"It’s always good for the game when the best players are playing," Hinch said. "It’s a challenge -- we know how good he is -- but it’s no surprise. Honestly, we don’t care. We need to win the game in front of us, and we’ll get ready for him tomorrow."
Crochet has been a bright spot for the struggling White Sox. He's struck out 203 batters and walked 32 in 142 innings (31 starts). Crochet has been limited to 50-60 pitches per start since mid-August, but he remains capable of dominance. He struck out eight batters over four shutout innings in his last start on Sept. 20 against the San Diego Padres.
Skubal's Next Start
Tigers ace Tarik Skubal's next start will depend on the team's playoff position. If the Tigers clinch a playoff spot, Skubal will pitch in Sunday's regular-season finale against the White Sox. However, if the game only impacts seeding, Skubal will be rested to start Game 1 of the Wild Card Series, likely in Baltimore or Houston.
"It’s unlikely we’d concern ourselves with seeding, but let’s hope we’re in that situation with even the smallest of dilemmas," Hinch said. "Off the top of my head, I’d say no, it doesn’t make sense to pitch him for seeding. It would if it’s a must-win to qualify. But we have a hundred decisions to make between now and then."
When is Jobe Pitching Again?
Tigers rookie Jackson Jobe made his big-league debut with a scoreless ninth inning on Wednesday. However, the Tigers may be cautious in how they deploy Jobe, who has never pitched as a reliever before. For example, the team is debating whether he can pitch again on Thursday after pitching on Wednesday.
"One of the biggest debates we have is when to make him available again," Hinch said. "He didn’t throw many pitches, which is great. He’s unlikely to be used today but never say never.
"We’d like to get him in again, and I’d love for it to be in the same situation -- meaning we’re winning, and he’s pitching one or two innings. That’d be phenomenal."
Jobe admitted that he was nervous warming up in the bullpen on Wednesday, but once he took the mound, he felt at ease. As they say, the waiting is often the hardest part.
The Debut That Will Last a Lifetime
Hinch was impressed by Jobe's debut, particularly how he handled the pressure of the situation.
"Oddly enough, I think the more attention he got, and the more the crowd got into it, the more relaxed he became," Hinch said. "There was a sense of relief at the end of the game for him -- that it was over, and he got through it. He had a sense of pride, coming off that competitive high, getting a bunch of hugs, and looking for his family. It was a picture-perfect debut for a young guy who, 48 or 72 hours ago, had no idea he was coming to the big leagues. He’ll remember it for the rest of his life. Hopefully, it’s just the start of an impactful career, and we hope he’s in our uniform for a long time."
