Your Five Things For August 13th: Tigers End Roadtrip On A 4 Game Losing Steak

1. Tigers End Road Trip 2-7; Head Home For 5 Games

Detroit heads home after losing 4 straight games of their 9 game road-trip.  They lost 4-2 in Pittsburgh.  Robbie Ray got the start and pitched 5 innings giving up 4 runs on 6 hits with 5 strikeouts.  Alex Avila sparked the offense with a home run in the 4th inning to put the game within one run with a blast.  But, the Tigers were unable to capitalize and did not score another run.  The Tigers are heading home to open a two game series against the Pittsburgh before welcoming Seattle for a weekend series.  Tonight starter is Buck Farmer for the Tigers who will take on Vance Worley.  First pitch is at 7:08 pm.

2. Verlander Could Avoid DL

Justin Verlander could avoid a trip to the DL after his MRI showed no structural damage.  The trainer of the Detroit Tigers, Kevin Rand, said the inflammation is from normal wear and tear for pitchers.  Verlander could miss his next start while at home.  Verlander is 10-11 with a 4.76 ERA with 118 strikeouts.

3. Clippers Sale Finalized

Steve Ballmer, former CEO of Microsoft, has bought the LA Clippers for $2 billion after a California courtroom sent an email to Ballmer's attorney.  The money is going to Shelly Sterling and the Sterling Family Trust.  If this was not finalized by September 15th, the NBA has said that they would force sale the team in an auction.  Read more about the sale here.

4. Oakland Stomps On KC

The Oakland Athletics got 20 hits and 11 runs against the Kansas City Royals to snap the Royals 8 game winning streak.  Jeremy Gurthrie of the Royals gave up 11 hits and 4 runs over 4 and 2/3 innings.  Bruce Chen came in and pitched 5 innings while giving up 5 runs on 9 hits.  John Lester pitched well for the Athletics throwing 6 innings, 3 runs and 6 hits.  The Royals continue their four game series against the Athletics but currently have a 1/2 game lead over the Detroit Tigers.

5. The Status Of Greg Monroe

A report in the Detroit Free Press said that Greg Monroe was offered a 5 year, $60 million deal for Greg Monroe.  But according to Greg Monroe, that is not true.  Greg Monroe said in a tweet, which can be found here, he was never offered that deal.  As a result, talks are at a standstill with the season quickly approaching.