Marcus Thames would probably hit 35-40 homers if he got the opportunity to play everyday. That time might be coming soon especially if he keeps thumping the ball like he is so far this season. Thames has played in 50 games for the Tigers this season and he is 43 for 164 (.262 avg, .844 OPS) with 25 runs scored, 11 homers and 24 RBIs. The Tigers need to keep Thames’ bat in the lineup regardless of who needs to sit so that he can play.

The Detroit Tigers have acquired 34-year old lefty starting pitcher Jarrod Washburn from the Mariners for 23-year old lefty starting pitcher Luke French and 20-year old lefty starting pitcher Mauricio Robles. Washburn has been outstanding this season starting 20 games for the Mariners in which he is 8-6 with a 2.64 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP. Washburn has now pitched in 304 games (292 starts) in his major league career and he is 106-106 with 1 save, a 4.02 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP. The Tigers are banking on Washburn to keep pitching like he has already this season. Luke French pitched in 7 games (5 starts) for the Tigers this season and he was 1-2 with a 3.38 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP. French will take Washburn’s place in the Mariners’ starting rotation. Robles was the Tigers’ #24 rated prospect heading into this season according to Baseball America. Robles has started 18 games in A-ball this season and he is 8-6 with a 4.24 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP. He has only allowed 79 hits in 91 1/3 innings this season while whiffing 111 batters which shows his upside. This was a move made to win now so it’s hard to fault the Tigers.