Pray for rain

That's what the Tigers probably were doing today, and their prayers were answered. After an 8-1 road swing against the NL East, Detroit returned to Comerica and watched errors and dismal relief pitching doom it in consecutive losses to Texas. While the Monday defeat can be excused because the team returned from the road at something like 4 a.m., Tuesday's setback was bad. A day off could be just what the doctor ordered.

Detroit's bullpen was solid on the back half of the road trip, but Fernando Rodney went back on the DL and the struggles of old returned as well. Todd Jones has 18 saves, but I fear that at 39 years old the tank is nearing empty. Jones has given up 16 ER in his last 11.1 IP, sending his ERA from 2.37 to 6.23. He's given up 8 BB during the span, which is alarming.

In 2005, Jones held foes to a .230 BA, had 62 K and 14 BB in 73 IP. In 2006, opponents batted .276 while Jones had 28 K and 11 BB in 64 IP. This year, he's giving up a .302 BA with 16 K and 14 BB in 30.1 IP. Jones' success in the past largely was the result of him not walking batters. His K-BB ratio is cause for concern. (Now, maybe he can pull a Casey and prove me an idiot.)

Jason Grilli needs to step up, too. Maybe Zach Miner's return can help. Or maybe this is just something the Tigers are going to have to scuffle with this season. Detroit has used 21 pitchers this season compared with 19 for all of 2006. The starters are going to have to go at least 7 and then hope for the best. And the offense will need to continue to mash.