While we have cruised into the second week of August, the Detroit Tigers have been rolling this season. They hold a large lead in the American League Central division with their 69-51 record, making for one of the best records in all of Major League Baseball. Much of their rise has come from elite play, both on offense and on defense.
However, that is not the only thing that has helped Detroit stack wins across the board. Many around the league have praised manager A.J. Hinch for what he has done to turn this club around. He has turned this club from a team that could not stay above .500 on the year to one that many teams across the league fear lining up against in a postseason setting.
Other managers and front office players have had great things to say about the skipper, but now some rival players are speaking out, via the Detroit Free Press. One such player is Houston Astros closer Josh Hader, whom Detroit defeated in the 2024 Wild Card round, ending Houston's season.
"I think the way A.J. Hinch handles those guys - the way he plugs and plays them, especially the bullpen, it gives them a big benefit because you never know what's coming," said Hader. "For a team like that, especially taking us out last year in the playoffs, that's what you want.. You want to see that team again. Hopefully, we can run it back, and hopefully, it goes the other way."
Hader has not forgotten about Detroit ending his season last year. He is hopeful that the two clubs can meet again in this year's postseason so that Houston can get their revenge.