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Miguel Cabrera and the Detroit Tigers have played some of their best baseball against division opponents. (Photo by Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)

Catching up with the Tigers

The Detroit Tigers have remained above .500 based on their dominance within the American League Central. But they are just 13-22 (.371) outside the division this season and play just four of their next 30 games against division foes. Before they move forward, let's look at where they stand now.

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The Royals appeared in the World Series last season and are chasing another playoff bid this year. (AP photo)

AL Central: Royals still on top

The Tigers have lost ground in the division race over the past month. One thing in the division has changed in that time -- the Indians and White Sox have all but fallen out of the race:

Kansas City 44-29 --

Minnesota 40-36 5.5

Detroit 39-36 6

Cleveland 34-41 11

Chicago 32-42 12.5

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Justin Verlander is scheduled to pitch Tuesday for the Tigers. (Photo by Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)

This week's schedule

Tigers vs. Pirates

Tuesday: Justin Verlander vs. Gerrit Cole, 7:08 p.m., FSD

Wednesday: Alfredo Simon vs. A.J. Burnett, 7:08 p.m., FSD

Thursday: Kyle Ryan vs. Francisco Liriano, 1:08 p.m., FSD

Tigers vs. Blue Jays

Friday: 7:08 p.m., FSD

Saturday: 1:08 p.m., FSD

Sunday: 1:08 p.m., FSD

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The return of Victor Martinez has provided some punch to the Detroit Tigers offense. (Photo by Mike Mulholland | MLive)

Offensive rebound

The Tigers are averaging just 4.36 runs for the season. Through Sunday's games, they ranked 10th in the majors in runs scored despite the fact that they led the majors in batting average (.275) and were fifth in OPS. But the Tigers have scored 51 runs in nine games since Victor Martinez returned from the disabled list. That's an average of 5.67 runs per game. Martinez has definitely had an impact.

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Will Bruce Rondon's return spark the Detroit Tigers' bullpen? (Photo by Mike Mulholland | MLive)

Bullpen issues

The bullpen seemed to overachieve early in the season but has fallen back to earth with a thud in June. Here are some key numbers by month:

April: 4.04 ERA, 1.251 WHIP, .245/697 opp. BA/OPS

May: 2.05 ERA, 1.140 WHIP, .232/.652 opp. BA/OPS

June: 5.27 ERA, 1.650 WHIP, .306/.879 opp. BA/OPS

Bruce Rondon has pitched well in a short time since returning from Toledo, but the Tigers need others -- most notably Joakim Soria -- to bounce back.

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J.D. Martinez had a rough start to the season, but he has heated up in June. (Photo by Mike Mulholland | MLive)

Position players: Who's hot?

Miguel Cabrera is hitting .388 with four home runs, 19 RBIs, 15 walks and a 1.097 OPS in June. Yoenis Cespedes is hitting .337 with an .879 OPS. Those two are faring very well. But J.D. Martinez has been mashing the ball. He has 10 home runs and 24 RBIs in June and is hitting .276 this month despite 22 strikeouts in 22 games.

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Anthony Gose is hitting .167 this month. (Photo by Mike Mulholland | MLive)

Position players: Who's not?

Anthony Gose is batting .167 and has more strikeouts (16) than hits (11) this month. He is 11 for 66 in June with just one extra-base hit. Despite his heroics Sunday, James McCann is batting just .213 (13 for 61) in June. Nick Castellanos is hitting .217 with a .560 OPS this month.

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David Price is undefeated this month. (Photo by Mike Mulholland | MLive)

Pitchers: Who's hot?

David Price (3-0, 2.02 ERA) and Anibal Sanchez (3-1, 2.63 ERA) have pitched well this month. They are the only Tigers starters who can say that. Al Alburquerque (0.93 ERA) has posted solid numbers overall despite walking five in 9 2/3 innings. Alex Wilson continues to pitch well. Bruce Rondon has looked sharp in two outings since being recalled from Toledo.

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Joakim Soria has 17 saves so far this season. (Photo by Mike Mulholland | MLive)

Pitchers: Who's not?

Joakim Soria has surrendered five home runs and has a 5.79 ERA in 9 1/3 innings this month. Other Tigers relievers are having worse months (Joba Chamberlain, Tom Gorzelanny), but Soria plays a key role and needs to get straightened out. Alfredo Simon has a 5.40 ERA and a 1.41 WHIP this month after getting off to a hot start.

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Alex Avila, shown here in a game from last season, could be back with the Tigers by this weekend. He hasn't played since early this season. (Photo by Mike Mulholland | MLive)

Injury update

Alex Avila (loose body in left knee) continues his rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Toledo tonight and might rejoin the Tigers as early as this weekend. He has been on the disabled list since May 8. Left-hander Kyle Lobstein (sore left shoulder) is still a ways away from returning.