Call to the pen
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Stock Up, Stock Down: Braves, Dodgers, Tigers and more

By Scott Roche

Apr 1, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Atlanta Braves designated hitter Marcell Ozuna (20) reacts with right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) after hitting a solo home run against the Washington Nationals during the fourth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Atlanta Braves designated hitter Marcell Ozuna (20) reacts with right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) after hitting a solo home run against the Washington Nationals during the fourth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 5, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Detroit Tigers third baseman Nick Maton (9) celebrates his three-run home run with second baseman Zach McKinstry (39) against the Philadelphia Phillies during the seventh inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 5, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Detroit Tigers third baseman Nick Maton (9) celebrates his three-run home run with second baseman Zach McKinstry (39) against the Philadelphia Phillies during the seventh inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

Stock Down: Detroit Tigers

You knew it was only a matter of time before things caught up with the Detroit Tigers, who have been hanging around a weak American League Central. The last days are more what we expect from them, despite them hanging around with potential postseason thoughts.

They were swept by the equally struggling Chicago White Sox on the road, then went to Philadelphia and dropped two out of three against the Phillies. The biggest takeaway from both series is the lack of offense the Tigers got in close games that were winnable.

In three games in Chicago, Detroit only scored three runs and was beaten 3-0, 2-1, and 6-2. Their struggles carried over against Philadelphia and lost the first game of the series 8-3, then were shut out a night later, 1-0, in the second game. In the third game of the series, the Tigers took a 2-1 lead into the bottom of the ninth, only to give up two runs to get swept.

The highlight of the trip was two former Phillies’, Nick Maton, who homered in the game, and Matt Verling, both received their 2022 National League Championship Rings before Monday’s game. What is weird is that Philadelphia gave all their players from last season’s team NL Championship Rings, something you don’t see every day. World Series rings, yes, both league championship rings are just, well, weird.

Things are not going to get easier for the Tigers as they return home to face the National League West Division-leading Arizona Diamondbacks for three games over the weekend before the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves make their way to Comerica Park. It’s not going to be easy for A.J. Hinch’s crew.

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