The Tigers finally have the batting order they envisioned back in spring training.
Carlos Guillen made his debut at his new position (third base) Sunday to complete the gradual return of Detroit's injured regulars back to the starting lineup. Gary Sheffield and Placido Polanco returned during the weekend from shoulder and back injuries, respectively. Center fielder Curtis Granderson began the trickle back early last week. The return of Guillen, out because he hit a foul ball off his knee Wednesday, let manager Jim Leyland write out the batting order he planned on using since the early days of spring training.
"It's nice -- if they hit," Leyland said. "If they don't, it won't make a difference."
The hitting history of the nine players involved suggest they will make a difference.
ANGELS 6, TIGERS 2: Justin Verlander worked into the sixth inning Sunday but was roughed up for four runs in the frame to get hit with his fourth loss in five decisions. A good sign for Verlander, however, was his fastball velocity was back up to 95-97 mph and he was showing his sharp curve after refining some mechanical adjustments he made for his previous start. The Tigers lost two of three to the Angels.
Detroit got a sacrifice fly from Edgar Renteria and an RBI double from Ivan Rodriguez.
