PITTSBURGH -- The way the Tigers approached hard-throwing Arquimedes Caminero on Wednesday night was a microcosm of what they've done so far this season against relievers. After batting .257 with a .717 OPS off opposing bullpens last season, Detroit entered Thursday's series finale at PNC Park hitting .296 with an .898 OPS off relievers. The Tigers have scored almost as many runs off bullpens (20) as rotations (22).
Just over a week into the season, it's a small sample size, to be sure. But it's enough for Miguel Cabrera to see a difference in approach.