Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson is our guy this afternoon in game one of the doubleheader. After last night's game was postponed due to weather, we are going right back to the matchup I loved 24 hours ago.
Torkelson had a solid Tuesday night, going 1-for-4 with a double and a run. He is primed for another strong outing against Pirates left-hander Andrew Heaney, who holds a poor rating on Batters-Box and struggles in key areas—ISO, hard contact, and ground ball percentage—allowing nearly 40% hard contact to opposing hitters.
On the road this season, Heaney owns a 3.72 ERA, with a 3.33 ERA and 1.11 WHIP overall—an improved version from year's past. Still, only two of his five pitches grade above average to a whole number, and those account for just 34% of his arsenal. Torkelson profiles well against all five of Heaney's offerings.
The Tigers rising star has crushed lefties this season, with a .261 average, .638 slugging percentage, and 1.035 OPS. At home, he has held steady, hitting .233 with an .839 OPS.
Given the price, his elite rating—where he has gone over in six of his last 10—and Heaney's road struggles, Torkelson is a go this afternoon in game one.
