http://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2016/03/28/detroit-tigers-schedule/82360814/
Detroit Tigers have 2nd toughest opening schedule in AL.
Freep
The Detroit Tigers don?t have it easy when they begin their 2016 regular season schedule.
Of the first 41 games they play, 32 come against teams with a .500 record or better in 2015. And just 15 of those games are at Comerica Park.
ESPN baseball insider Buster Olney pointed this out as he revealed his American League strength-of-schedule rankings recently. The Tigers are No. 2, only behind the Seattle Mariners.
?The Tigers' April schedule might be the toughest in baseball,? Olney wrote. ?After two games against the Marlins, Detroit plays 13 straight games against the Yankees, Pirates, Astros and Royals, followed by three games versus the Indians.?
That doesn?t bode too well for a team that could use a good start to the season after last year?s disappointment. The Tigers stumbled to a 74-87 record, good for last place in the AL Central, a division they won the previous four years. And considering the Tigers surprisingly kept Brad Ausmus as manager for a third season, he could get back on the hot seat quick if they start the season slow.
The team already will begin the season without lefty Daniel Norris and outfielder Cameron Maybin. Designated hitter Victor Martinez and righty Anibal Sanchez are still getting back to speed following spring injuries. And relievers Alex Wilson and Blaine Hardy won?t be available, either.
