Skidding Tigers host surging Nationals next

Already going through a mortifying stretch, the Detroit Tigers now have to deal with the resurgent Washington Nationals this weekend.

The Tigers have lost seven straight and 11 of 12 after getting swept in back-to-back series with Cleveland and Texas. They've lost 20 of their last 22 at Comerica Park, including the first three of a six-game homestand.

"I've never been through this one, myself, so I'm learning myself on how to deal with some of these things," manager Ron Gardenhire said.

Detroit's offense has generated just eight runs in the last five games.

Gardenhire can only hope it perks up soon.

"One good swing can change a whole personality," he said. "That's the greatest thing about the game. You can be in the biggest hole in the world, but one good swing and all of a sudden you can turn it around. That's what we're all looking for."

Left-hander Daniel Norris will start the series opener on Friday for the Tigers. Norris (2-6, 4.69 ERA) is coming off his longest outing since Aug. 2, 2015. He lasted seven innings at Cleveland on Sunday, giving up six runs on eight hits and striking out a season-high eight in an 8-3 loss. He'll oppose the Nationals for the first time in his career.

Anibal Sanchez (3-6, 4.02) will be facing his former team for the first time, after parting ways with the team after the 2017 season. Sanchez, 35, posted a 46-49 record with a 4.43 ERA for Detroit from 2012-17.

He's 3-0 in his last five starts after losing his first six decisions with the Nationals this season. Sanchez has a 2.45 ERA during those five outings and has lasted at least six innings in four of them.

Sanchez made 79 appearances (68 starts) at Comerica Park as a Tiger and went 27-23 with a 4.13 ERA.

The Nationals have been on the upswing recently, winning eight of their last 10 games. They completed a three-game sweep of Miami on Thursday.

"I think we're doing everything right, showing up to the ballpark ready to work," said first baseman Matt Adams, who homered as part of a five-run sixth inning in Thursday's 8-5 win. "We're not looking too far ahead. Guys are working hard and having fun playing the game."

Adams, Howie Kendrick and Gerardo Parra have taken turns filling in at first base with Ryan Zimmerman sidelined by a foot injury. Zimmerman is on a rehab stint with Double-A Harrisburg and could return next week.

Adams, Kendrick and Parra have combined for 28 home runs.

"He's been awesome. He really has," manager Dave Martinez said of Adams. "Between him, Howie and even Parra, with the three playing first base, they've all been really good and they've accepted their roles. They all get the chance to play, and when they get the chance to play, they do well."

The Tigers and Nationals are unfamiliar foes. They last met in 2016 when Washington took two out of three at Nationals Park. Detroit leads the all-time series 11-8, including a 7-1 mark at Comerica Park. The Tigers are 4-11 in interleague play this season, while the Nats are 3-1.

--Field Level Media