Detroit — AJ Hinch has been thinking about moving Akil Baddoo into the leadoff spot for a while now. But he wanted him to earn the privilege, which he certainly did hitting .300 with a .400 on-base average the last two weeks.
Baddoo then validated the strategy Thursday afternoon, triggering a four-run fifth inning that helped the Tigers equal a season-long six-game winning streak and sweep the Royals, 10-3 at Comerica Park.
The left-handed hitting Baddoo has been batting in the No. 9 hole since he’s come back from Triple-A and often by the time his turn comes around a third time, the opposing team has gone to the bullpen for a left-handed pitcher.