Tigers turn to Jackson Jobe to halt slide as lineup shifts for Rays rematch
The Detroit Tigers will look to rookie right-hander Jackson Jobe to snap a six-game losing streak when they face the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday night at Comerica Park, as reported by M Live Michigan. The Tigers, who have lost eight of their last nine games according to Heavy, enter the contest with a 61-70 record, while the Rays boast a 78-53 mark.
First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET, with Jobe (1-1, 4.50 ERA) taking the mound. He will be opposed by Rays left-hander Ian Seymour (9-4, 4.17 ERA), who will pitch behind right-handed opener Casey Legumina, according to M Live Michigan.
Jobe, who came off the injured list earlier this month, has made three starts since his return. His longest outing came on Aug. 19 at Pittsburgh, where he threw 5 1/3 innings, as detailed by M Live Michigan.
Manager shakes up lineup
Following Monday's loss to the Rays, the Tigers made multiple lineup changes, according to Heavy. Brett Callahan and Colt Keith were removed from the starting lineup for the second game of the series, with Gleyber Torres and Eduardo Valencia inserted. The defensive alignment also shifted: Hao-Yu Lee moves from third base to second base, Kevin McGonigle from shortstop to third base, and Javier Baez from shortstop to left field.
The full lineup, as provided by Heavy, features Torres at second, Lee at third, McGonigle at shortstop, Dillon Dingler behind the plate, Valencia as designated hitter, Zach McKinstry in right, Spencer Torkelson at first, Baez in left, and Max Clark in center. Keith, Callahan, Corey Julks, and Ben Malgeri are available off the bench, according to M Live Michigan.
Callahan, who made his MLB debut earlier this month after the Tigers selected his contract, went 0 for 1 with an RBI in Monday's loss. He is batting .263 with one home run and six RBI this season, as noted by Heavy.
Playoff hopes fading
Heavy reports that the loss on Monday dropped the Tigers further behind in the American League Wild Card race, with their chances of a third straight postseason berth now "faint." The team was swept in consecutive series by the Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Royals, contributing to their recent slide.
Seymour's season turnaround
Seymour began the season in the bullpen but has been a traditional starter since mid-June, according to M Live Michigan. In his last 12 outings, he has struck out 82 batters and walked just 13 over 63 innings, underscoring his effectiveness as the Tigers face a tough pitching matchup.
Tigers' desperation mounts
With the regular season drawing to a close, the Tigers find themselves in a precarious position. Heavy's framing suggests the team has "no choice" but to start winning, and the lineup changes reflect a sense of urgency to reverse their fortunes.
As the Tigers take the field Tuesday, all eyes will be on Jobe to deliver a strong performance and halt the team's slide. Whether the reshuffled lineup provides the spark needed remains to be seen, but the pressure is undeniably on Detroit to turn things around quickly.