Detroit — The music was playing. The ping-pong tournament was going full force. Tarik Skubal beat Tyler Alexander decisively in an early round matchup. Tucker Barnhart advanced with a win over Alex Lange. Robbie Grossman and Andrew Chafin were engaged in a lively chat at Grossman’s locker. Chafin delivered a "Failed Starter" T-shirt to Barnhart's locker, welcoming him to the club.
It was business as usual in the Tigers’ clubhouse before the game Thursday, no visible residue from the ugly series against the White Sox or the players-only meeting Wednesday after the 13-0 thumping.
“You know what, we are with each other in here 12 hours a day every day, but you don’t really sit down and talk about some of the problems that need to be addressed from time to time,” reliever Michael Fulmer said.