The Detroit Tigers take advantage of a team who has essentially waved the white flag

The Detroit Tigers’ 60th win over the Chicago White Sox on Sunday wasn’t an easy one. Coming into the game, the Tigers were batting .212 against Chicago starter Dylan Cease. While he allowed no runs on four hits in six innings of work, Detroit made him work as he threw 95 pitches.

One player in particular that made Cease work was Riley Greene. Greene went 1-for-3 on the day, with a pair of walks and a single. The last week he drew in the 5th was after an impressive eight pitch at-bat. But you are not reading this to read Greene’s walk in the 5th. Instead, you are here to see one of the most impressive catches he has made all season.

If @Greene21Riley’s name isn’t all over your Catch of the Year sheet, you’re doing it wrong. pic.twitter.com/mYcMZr31N9

— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) September 25, 2022

Greene kicks off the three takeaways from sweep of the Chicago White Sox, their first on the south side since 2018.

1. Riley Greene’s walk to the finish

While Greene’s numbers in August on the surface were solid, (.265/.311/.434 WRC+ of 112) he struck out 33% of the time and walk around a 4% clip. So far in September, he’s walking at a 9.5% clip (8% is his season average) and striking out slightly lower than his season numbers. (27% in Sept, 29% on the season) These numbers do not include today’s walks and his slash line stands at .243/ .321/ .284 for the month.

Regardless, Greene has been having better at-bats this month as he continues to adjust.

2. Javier Baez’s recent splits

While Baez’s power numbers in the second half of the season are nothing to write home about, since the All-Star Break, he has a wRC+ of 117. Since June 10th, he has been posted a 2.2 fWAR. To start the season until June 10th, he posted a fWAR of -0.3. So for all the heat he has gotten and some of it has merit because of his throws on the diamond, he has been better than what the fans may think.

Javier Báez blows this game open with a three-run blast and it's 7-2 #Tigers in the 7th! #DetroitRoots @javy23baez | @AkilBaddoo | @Greene21Riley pic.twitter.com/3PEDPu6Evg

— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) September 25, 2022

3. Joe Jimenez pitching through pain

Jimenez, who hit the IL this weekend with a right lumbar spine strain, has been one of the consistent relievers for Detroit this season. While he has posted an ERA of 3.86, his FIP has been a team best 1.78 in the second half of the season. He told reporters over the weekend he has been dealing with the injury for the last month. But that has not stopped him from having a K per 9 of 11.21 since August 1st.