Although they suffered a disappointing lost to the Cardinals on Sunday, the Tigers look like a different team in May. They will now head to Progressive Field to take on the struggling Guardians. Can the Tigers build off their 5-1 record in May and make a statement against the division foe?

A look back at Jake Rogers' second career grand slam.#RepDetroit x @DairyQueen pic.twitter.com/EWsbL20VdG

— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) May 8, 2023

The Tigers Offense Show Life

The Detroit Tigers are averaging five runs a game in May, including a total of nine home runs. Javier Baez has rounded back into form and has slugged three home runs so far this month. Eric Haase hit two home runs against the Mets and Riley Greene is hitting .391 with a home run in May.

Andy Ibanez who was called up on April 29th, is 7-for-14 in May and has given the Tigers a spark offensively. Spencer Torkelson has been better in May as well, clubbing a home run in game three against St. Louis. While there has been some considerable improvement, the offense has a way to go. The Tigers still sit at 29th in baseball with a team OPS of .652. To put into perspective, the Tigers offense put up a .632 team OPS last season.

Oppo looks easy when you're @spennyt. pic.twitter.com/uQlw92OPDg

— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) May 7, 2023

Changes to the Pitching Staff

Spencer Turnbull who was expected to be a big part of the Tigers rotation, has been sent down to Toledo. Turnbull had an ERA over seven in seven starts. Alex Faedo got the call to Detroit, where he held his own against St. Louis on Sunday. Detroit will look to get more consistent starts out of their staff, as Eduardo Rodriguez has been the one constant.

The bullpen continues to be a mixed for Detroit. Alex Lange and Jason Foley have been rock solid, but the rest of the bullpen has been rather inconsistent. Mason Englert has been put in high leverage situations but has been a mixed bag as well.

Trevor Thompson caught up with A.J. Hinch to hear more about the move to send Spencer Turnbull to AAA-Toledo and to bring up Alex Faedo for his season debut. #RepDetroit | @FiegerLaw pic.twitter.com/3RDn64TJvQ

— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) May 7, 2023

What the Guardians Bring

After winning the division in 2022, the Guardians have disappointed to start the season. Their offense ranks last in the league with just 18 home runs and a team OPS of just .631. They have struggled to generate runs leading to a 16-18 start.

In their last matchup with the Tigers, the Guardians were able to muster just six runs in three games. Can the Tigers hold the Guardians offense in check, while continuing their offensive improvement in Cleveland?

#Tigers starters at Cleveland Guardians:

Monday: LHP Joey Wentz vs. RHP Tanner Bibee
Tuesday: RHP Michael Lorenzen vs.
RHP Shane Bieber
Wednesday: LHP Eduardo Rodriguez vs.
RHP Peyton Battenfield

— Evan Petzold (@EvanPetzold) May 7, 2023

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