‘Every role matters’: A.J. Hinch credits depth, effort in Detroit Tigers’ surge during press conference

DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers are rolling as they sit atop the American League after dismantling the visiting Boston Red Sox 14-2 to snap a two-game losing streak.

Jackson Jobe took the mound on Monday (May 12) night. He threw 100 pitches, 61 of which were called strikes, while giving up three hits, five walks, seven strikeouts, and one run in 5.2 innings.

He got plenty of help from the Tigers’ bats as they jumped out to an 11-1 lead after rocking Red Sox pitcher Tanner Houck for two runs in the first inning, followed by a nine-run third.

In just 2.1 innings, Houch gave up nine hits and two home runs before getting subbed for Sean Newcomb, who gave up seven hits for two runs as the lead jumped out to 14-1 at the bottom of the seventh inning, which included an inside-the-park home run.

The Tigers were coming off a two-game losing streak, losing the three-game series against the Texas Rangers 2-1.

Prior to the Rangers series, Detroit was riding hot, having won seven of their previous ten games. Manager A.J. Hinch talked about roster updates and player performances prior to the Red Sox game.

Coach discusses roster updates and player performance

Hinch expressed excitement about the return of right fielder Wenceel Perez, who suffered a back injury that placed him on the 60-day injured list.

He said the right fielder has been working hard to prepare for his time in the big leagues.

“It was awesome to see him and Parker (Meadows) both, but specifically Wensel.

We brought him up here to get the final check off of what he’s been doing, and he’s been working really hard.

We’ve been in touch with his program and everything he’s doing, but it’s just a little different when you come to the big leagues and check in with the staff and the players and coaches.

So it’s exciting to see him moving around with freedom and no issues and no problems.”

Detroit Tigers Manager A.J. Hinch

Perez, who suffered lumbar spine inflammation, received two cortisone injections as he is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with High-A West Michigan on Thursday, May 15.

“I mean, now, obviously, we were leaving on Wednesday night, we’re off on Thursday, so we’ll have to make some decisions at that point. That would be perfect. He’s got some tests to pass before we can put that plan in motion, but that’d be ideal,” Hinch said.

Upcoming decisions on player lineup

Hinch indicated that decisions regarding the roster would be made soon, particularly as the team prepares for a trip to Canada when they take on the Toronto Blue Jays.

He acknowledged the challenges of managing the roster, especially with a series of right-handed pitchers ahead.

“We have the roster configuration to handle lefties or righties,” Hinch said, but noted the importance of managing player fatigue.,

“These games here, there are two things that come up. One is getting Andy (Ibanez) and Jay Hen (Justyn-Henry Malloy), you know, a little bit more in the mix. If they bring a lefty in, I can pinch-hit if I want. But they don’t get many at-bats," Hinch said.

Managing player fatigue and lineup consistency

Hinch addressed concerns about player fatigue, particularly for key players like Trey Sweeney, Riley Greene, and Kerry Carpenter, who have been playing every game.

“We want them in the lineup as much as possible, but there’s no natural break for them,” Hinch said.

Hinch emphasized the need to avoid running players’ gas tanks completely empty, which can lead to slumps.

“That’s really the issue with facing 20 out of 22 right-handed pitchers,” Hinch said.

Keider Montero’s return and role in the lineup

Regarding Keider Montero‘s return, Hinch confirmed he would be active for the upcoming game but may not start.

“He may have spent more days in the big leagues than anywhere else,” Hinch said, highlighting the importance of acclimation.

“He may have spent more days in the big leagues, either on acclamation days or start days, than anywhere else. But he will be active tomorrow.

He may or may not start. We may open for him. We might start him.

I’ll be able to announce that after the game tonight, but it’s so nice to have Keider available and able to handle this role of uncertainty.

You know, he deserves every opportunity that we have, and we’ve literally given him, you know, every opportunity that we do have in the rotation.

So when we say goodbye a couple of days later, we say hello again, and you know, we’ll see where it leads us, hopefully to a win.”

Detroit Tigers Manager A.J. Hinch

Hinch expressed confidence in Montero’s ability to handle the uncertainty of his role, stating, “He deserves every opportunity that we have.”

Avoiding losing streaks through focus

When asked about the team’s ability to avoid three-game losing streaks, which they did with boat racing the Red Sox, Hinch emphasized the importance of focusing on the present.

“We see it as one game,” Hinch said, explaining that the team operates with a mindset centered on the next opponent. “We don’t reflect; we just get to the next game,” he added, acknowledging that winning and losing streaks are part of the season.

Impressions of the upcoming opponent

The coach shared his thoughts on the opposing team, describing them as a very talented and energetic group. “They create a lot of havoc because they’ve got speed, power, and balance,” he noted. He emphasized the need for the Tigers to play clean baseball, stating, “You got to play well; you got to play clean.”

Understanding fan reactions to Bregman

Addressing the anticipation that fans might boo Bregman, Hinch acknowledged the emotional attachment fans have to public conversations.

“I get it,” Hinch said, recognizing that Bregman has faced similar reactions in other ballparks. “It won’t bother him, but our fans will support the Tigers as they should.”

Bregman was booed heavily during his first plate appearance in the top of the first inning.

He was close to signing with the Tigers during the offseason but decided to sign with the Red Sox before popping out to center field.

Cora’s creative managing style

Hinch praised Alex Cora’s managing style, noting that he often puts pressure on opponents.

“He will do a lot of things to try to put pressure on you,” Hinch said.

He highlighted Cora’s willingness to be aggressive with bullpen moves and his adaptability during games.

“He’s just trying to win the game,” Hinch said, emphasizing the importance of a proactive approach.

Insights on young player development

In discussing second basemen, Jace Jung, Hinch admired his mentality and potential.

“I love him as a player,” Hinch said, acknowledging young players’ challenges.

“The prove-it mentality can create another hill to climb,” Hinch noted, emphasizing the importance of balancing competitiveness and composure.

He encouraged Jung to focus on using his energy positively during games.

“So it’s easy on the outside to say, hey, ‘Just take a deep breath and relax.’

See the ball, hit the ball, make the plays at third, he’s played a pretty good third base, but I think it’s all growing pains for him, trying to settle in at a level that he hasn’t conquered yet.

And you know, I know it’s hard on a team when you’re in the lineup, out of the lineup, he’s actually gotten a pretty decent runway recently, and I told him today when we met, I said, ‘Well, you have a chance to help us win tonight off the bench. Tomorrow, you’re going to face (Brayan) Bello, and you know, we expect you to sort of find that edge and use that energy towards the competition.’

So young players, you know, they often want to do everything every at bat and his work, he’s going to work and he’s going to continue to try to make some adjustments, to address some of the things that they’re doing against him at this level.”

Detroit Tigers Manager A.J. Hinch

The Tigers got key contributions from Gleyber Torres, Colt Keith, Zach McKinstry, Sweeney, and Carpenter. Basically, the whole team throttled the Red Sox on Monday night.

The victory snapped a two-game skid while improving to 27-15 to remain in first place in the early stages of the season.

Taking the mound on Tuesday will be Bello for the Red Sox, while Tyler Holton will look to keep the good times rolling.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. inside Comerica Park.