With the final week of April now approaching, the Detroit Tigers currently find themselves in third place in the AL Central with a record of 8-7. There have been a few things that haven’t quite gone the Tigers’ way just yet, but there have also been quite a few positives. Here are the five biggest surprises of Detroit’s 2016 season thus far.
5. Nick Castellanos' Hot Start
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY SportsAfter not quite meeting the expectations of many fans during the first two full seasons of his MLB career, Nick Castellanos has been swinging a great bat early on this year. The 24-year-old is currently hitting .346/.352/.519 with a pair of homers.
4. Ian Kinsler's Power Surge
John Rieger-USA TODAY SportsAlthough Ian Kinsler has done excellent work in his time in a Tigers uniform, many felt that his power was in decline after he hit only 11 homers last year. This season, however, the soon-to-be 34-year-old has already launched four homers.
3. Bullpen Success
John Rieger-USA TODAY SportsDespite a couple of shaky outings by closer Francisco Rodriguez, the Tigers' bullpen has been quite good so far, posting a 2.72 ERA. Justin Wilson and Mark Lowe have been doing exceptional work in the seventh and eighth innings as well.
2. Jordan Zimmermann's Scoreless Inning Streak
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY SportsAlthough Tigers fans knew that Jordan Zimmermann was a great pitcher, he has surpassed most people's expectations with the start he has gotten off to. He has begun his Tigers career by racking up 19.1 scoreless innings over three starts.
1. Jarrod Saltalamacchia
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY SportsAlthough many expected that Jarrod Saltalamacchia would be a solid addition, few would have thought he would be leading the team with five home runs right now. Saltalamacchia has turned out to be a big signing, especially with James McCann on the DL.
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