Tigers respond to injuries with power vs Astros in bullpen-only game

HOUSTON – A few hours before their series opener, the Detroit Tigers learned right-hander Troy Melton would be scratched from his scheduled start with back tightness.

It wasn't perfect, but six relievers worked together for a 9-3 win over the Houston Astros on Monday, June 15, in the first of three games in the series at Daikin Park. After Melton's injury, second baseman Gleyber Torres exited the game with an undisclosed injury after a violent swing in the second inning.

Colt Keith provided big swings of a different kind, with three home runs.

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Right-hander Drew Anderson served as the Tigers' starter in an opener role, allowing one run on two hits and two walks with five strikeouts across 2⅔ innings.

The Tigers (30-42) trail the first-place Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Guardians by nine games in the American League Central. They're also 5½ games back in the AL wild-card race, all while being the third-worst AL team.

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In order: Anderson for 2⅔ innings, right-hander Jacob Waguespack for 1⅓ innings, right-hander Kyle Finnegan for one inning, left-hander Tyler Holton for 1⅔ innings, right-hander Will Vest for 1⅓ innings and left-handed reliever Enmanuel De Jesus for one inning.