Chris McCosky

The Detroit News

Detroit – Sometimes there’s no rhyme or reason for things that happen in baseball.

For example, Miguel Cabrera doesn’t hit well in Toronto (.242 in 32 games), though he’s hit over .300 against them at Comerica Park. Makes no sense.

The same can be said for Michael Fulmer’s early-game issues through five starts. He’s been largely untouchable after the third inning, allowing two runs and a .122 opponent’s batting average.

In the first three innings, however, he’s allowed nine runs and a .271 opponent’s batting average. Three of the four home runs he’s allowed have come in the first third of the game.

“That’s weird isn’t it?” said Fulmer, who is scheduled to pitch in the finale against the Indians Thursday though rain is threatening. “I couldn’t tell you. I don’t know if I am trying to attack guys more with my fastball. I don’t know. There’s no explanation for it.”

The first time through the order, Fulmer has allowed 12 hits, six runs and a .293 average. The second time through, it falls to eight hits and four runs, and a .200 average – each with a 45-batter sample size.

The third time through, forget it. Hitters are 2-for-30 against him.

K-Rod starts to make quality pitches at crisis points

“My whole goal this season was to try and get quicker outs,” Fulmer said. “That means throwing a few more fastballs and throwing more strikes and basically challenging hitters. Guys have seen me last year, so there is an adjustment period.

“We are going to have to work on mixing up pitches better and maybe be a little more focused on the first time through the order.”

Fulmer said he is pleased with his pre-game routine, something it took him most of last season to perfect. He hasn’t needed an inning or two to reach his peak velocity. It’s more about getting a feel for the hitters.

“I feel like once I see guys swings and read their swings, I have a better game plan through the game,” he said. “That’s why a lot of my success has come in the second and third time through the order.

“But I do need to do a better job of getting guys out the first time.”

Mahtook waits

Mikie Mahtook has become the forgotten man in the Tigers' outfield lately. He’s made just two starts since April 22.

The reason: He’s a right-handed platoon player who gets his starts against left-handed pitching. And the Tigers haven’t faced many lefties of late. They may not face another until they get to Arizona next week either.

“You always stay ready and stay prepared,” Mahtook said. “So whenever they call on me, I will be ready.”

Tyler Collins has gotten the starts against right-handers, either in right field or, since JaCoby Jones went on the DL, in center field.

“I made Mikie and TC aware they’d be platooning even before the season started,” manager Brad Ausmus said. “That being said, there are a lot more right-handed starters than left-handed starters.”

Odd thing: Although Mahtook has hit lefties far better than righties over his career, he is 3-for-8 with a home run off righties this year. And, he’s struggled against lefties – 3-for-23.

“I feel like I’ve had good at-bats against the few right-handers I’ve faced,” he said. “But you just go out whenever your number is called and try to play well…Mentally I am always ready.

“Obviously, everybody wants to play. You don’t want to accept that you are not playing every day. But, you just have to be ready to help the team when you are called.”

Around the horn

J.D. Martinez (foot) is still just DH-ing and not running bases or playing the outfield in extended spring training games.

Ausmus said the foot was examined again on Wednesday and everything looked good. Still, no rehab assignment has been set nor is there a set time when he will play the field.

…Jones, who had a pair of doubles for the Mud Hens Wednesday, left the game in the eighth inning and was reportedly heading back to Detroit. Ausmus, though, said no decision had been made as to when Jones would rejoin the Tigers.

…Tigers pitching prospect Paul Voelker (Double-A Erie) was suspended for 50 games by Major League Baseball after he tested positive for amphetamine, a stimulant in violation of the Minor-League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

Twitter: @cmccosky

INDIANS AT TIGERS

First pitch: 1:10 p.m. Thursday, Comerica Park, Detroit

TV/radio: FSD/97.1

Scouting report

RHP Danny Salazar (2-2, 4.34), Indians: Some of his numbers belie his dynamic stuff, like the 4.34 ERA and 1.38 WHIP. He’s allowed seven runs in his last 11.1 innings covering two starts. And yet, he’s struck out 42 in 29 innings and his change-up has been lethal — 37-percent whiff rate.

RHP Michael Fulmer (2-2, 3.19), Tigers: Nine of the 11 runs Fulmer has allowed this season have come in the first three innings. Opponents hit .271 off him in the first three, .122 the rest of the way.