Detroit Tigers Already Breaking milestones in first 10 games

The Detroit Tigers are off to an unexpectedly good start sitting atop the AL Central with a record of 7-3 and two newly met milestones.

This comes as quite a surprise as the Detroit Tigers struggled to score runs in the first series against the Toronto Blue Jays, then had to face the New York Yankees.

The Motor City momentum is strong as the Tigers prepare to face the Cleveland Indians for a three-game series at Comerica Park. Along with the unexpected wins, the Tigers have also been checking off major milestones and setting new records along the way.

The first milestone came at the hands of none other than the face of the Tigers, Miguel Cabrera. During the Royals series, he passed Hall of Famer Ernie Banks with his 1,637th RBI. His next milestone is to pass Tony Perez who has 1,652 RBI. Sitting above Perez is Sammy Sosa, Gary Sheffield, and Cal Ripken.

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Cabrera’s latest milestone RBI came in the bottom of the fifth inning on Saturday against the Royals. His single scored Nicholas Castellanos, who had hit a line-drive double. Cabrera went 3 for 4 in this game and scored one run when Christin Stewart hit his grand slam in the bottom of the seventh.

Cabrera, who was out most of 2018 with a torn bicep, has been a little slow to get started. He has yet to hit a home run or an extra-base hit, but he’s hitting the ball hard. His slash is .235/.381/.235. His swing is just as beautiful as it has ever been and once he hits one out of the park, more will follow.

The second milestone came on Sunday as the Tigers swept the Royals. This one belonged to Shane Greene, the Tigers closer. His milestone was actually a new record for the Tigers as he has earned a save in 7 of the team’s first 10 games.

Greene has been with the Tigers since 2015 when he was traded from the Yankees in the Robbie Ray and Didi Gregorius trade. He began his career as a starting pitcher, but after repeated injuries, he and team found that the pen was the best place for him. He officially was named the closer in 2017 after Francisco Rodriguez was released by the Tigers.

After a rough 2018, Greene’s accomplishment is especially notable. He has yet to record a run, which is a big change from his 5.12 ERA in 2018. In his seven innings, he has given up two hits and struck out six. He has hit one batter.