Giants at Tigers
Michael Fulmer called it a blessing to be named to the upcoming All-Star Game, but the 24-year right-hander knows he has more on his plate before reveling in the moment of the Midsummer Classic. Fulmer leads the Detroit Tigers into Tuesday afternoon's opener of a three-game interleague series against the visiting San Francisco Giants, who have won a season-high six in a row.
"I don't think about stuff like this (being an All-Star)," Fulmer told the Detroit News of being the Tigers' lone All-Star representative. "I think about winning games and getting ready for my next start. I have two more before the break and I am thinking about those first. I've just never saw myself in this situation." While Detroit has dropped two in a row and 11 of 15 to find itself saddled with its worst record at the 81-game mark since 2003, San Francisco is ascending following three-game sweeps of Colorado and Pittsburgh. Brandon Belt, who has hit safely in 12 of his last 14 contests, launched his second homer in three games in Sunday's 5-3 win over the Pirates,
TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, NBCSN Bay Area (San Francisco), FSN Detroit
PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Matt Cain (3-7, 5.46 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Michael Fulmer (7-6, 3.19)
Cain saw his winless stretch extend to eight starts last Tuesday after receiving a no-decision on the heels of allowing three runs on six hits in as many innings versus Colorado. The 32-year-old, who hasn't won since an 8-4 triumph over the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 15, concluded a disastrous June with an 0-3 mark, 7.77 ERA and 2.14 WHIP. Justin Upton, who is questionable for the series opener after missing the last three games with right side soreness, is a respectable 14-for-49 in his career against Cain while Miguel Cabrera's lone hit in six career at-bats versus the right-hander left the park.
Fulmer snapped a three-start losing skid on Thursday after venturing to within one out of his second complete game this season in a 7-3 victory over Kansas City. The 2016 American League Rookie of the Year allowed two earned runs and struck out seven while facing just one batter over the minimum to subdue the Royals. Fulmer didn't permit a walk in that contest after issuing four free passes in each of his previous two outings.
WALK-OFFS
1. San Francisco CF Denard Span is 12-for-29 since June 25 and is batting .355 in 35 career games at Comerica Park.
2. Detroit 2B Ian Kinsler is just 5-for-31 in his last eight contests to see his batting average drop to .243.
3. Giants SS Brandon Crawford is mired in a 6-for-51 stretch in his past 12 games.