The Tigers bullpen blanked the Royals for four innings, but the offense wasted way too many chances as they dropped the first of a three-game home set against the Royals by a score of 3-1.
Friday night marked the return of Michael Pineda to the Tigers’ rotation, and they sure do need him. With two rookie starters in the mix that require innings management, the club couldn’t go on much longer without some help. Pineda ultimately missed about six weeks since a comebacker fractured his finger back in mid-May.
Pineda was very Michael Pineda over the first two innings, allowing a single in each frame, but stranding the runners.