All rights reserved)Detroit Tigers pitcher Casey Mize throws to a Minnesota Twins batter during the first inning of a baseball game in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone, File)DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers will send top pitching prospect Casey Mize to the mound Tuesday for his first spring training action against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Tigers dropped their second spring training game Monday at the New York Yankees. Mize will face a Pirates lineup that features four of the team’s best hitters atop the lineup in Kevin Newman, Ke’Bryan Hayes, Bryan Reynolds and Gregory Polanco. Detroit and Pittsburgh are widely regarded as two of the worst teams in MLB again this season.

DETROIT The Detroit Tigers havent taken the field in five days, but when they return Friday, theyll face what looks like an absolute must-win series for their playoff hopes. Detroit is traveling to Pittsburgh for a three-game series with the Pirates, who, at 3-10, are currently the worst team in baseball. The Tigers need to win two or three of these games to stay in the playoff race. Thats because each of the teams next 35 games after the Pirates series will come against legitimate playoff contenders. PLAYOFF HOPES: Breaking down Tigers playoff chances this season now that 16 teams will get in