Finally, since losing All-Stars Magglio Ordonez, Miguel Cabrera, Justin Verlander and Co., Detroit's youth movement is paying dividends. Both the team's offense and defense are ranked in the top five in the sport, ranking fifth in team earned-run average and fifth in OPS.

The first three hitters in the lineup for the Low-A Lakeland Flying Tigers Wednesday were Wenceel Perez, Parker Meadows and Matt Vierling. Not too shabby. The three rehabbing Tigers were temporarily rerouted to Lakeland because of bad weather in Toledo.

Spencer Torkelson had a pair of hits, walked twice and drove in a run to help the Tigers beat the St. Louis Cardinals 5-1 on Wednesday for Detroit’s 15th win in its past 20 games.