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Photo by Tanya Moutzalias | MLive

Catching up with the Tigers

This slideshow gives a look at the standings, upcoming schedule and key stats for the Detroit Tigers as they fight to keep pace in the American League Central. Get updates on key players and when injured Tigers are expected to return to the lineup.

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Torii Hunter (right) and the Twins have been the surprise team in the AL Central. (AP photo)

AL Central: Race up in air

The Tigers are as close to last place in the American League Central Division as they were to first place. Here are the current standings:

Minnesota 30-19 -

Kansas City 29-19 0.5

Detroit 28-24 3.5

Cleveland 24-26 6.5

Chicago 23-26 7

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Sonny Gray is expected to pitch Wednesday for the Oakland A's at Comerica Park. (AP photo)

This week's schedule

Tigers vs. Oakland Athletics

Tuesday: Alfredo Simon vs. Kendall Graveman, 7:08 p.m., FSD

Wednesday: Anibal Sanchez vs. Sonny Gray, 7:08 p.m., FSD

Thursday: Shane Greene vs. Jesse Hahn, 1:08 p.m., FSD, MLB Network

Tigers at Chicago White Sox

Friday: 8:10 p.m., FSD

Saturday: 7:15 p.m., Fox

Sunday: 2:10 p.m., FSD

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Ian Kinsler is batting .271 in his second season with the Detroit Tigers. (Mike Mulholland | MLive)

Offensive issues

The Tigers are ninth in the American League in runs scored and 10th in runs scored per game. They are on pace to score 667 runs this season. That would be their lowest run total since the 2003 Tigers -- who finished 43-119 -- scored 591 runs, the lowest total of any AL team that year. Here are their run totals by season dating back to 2003 and how they ranked among AL teams.

2015: 214, 9th (on pace for 667)

2014: 757, 2nd

2013: 796, 2nd

2012: 726, 6th

2011: 787, 4th

2010: 751, 8th

2009: 743, 10th

2008: 821, 4th

2007: 887, 2nd

2006: 822, 5th

2005: 723, 11th

2004: 827, 8th

2003: 591, 14th

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Yoenis Cespedes is hitting .278 with seven home runs. (Mike Mulholland | MLive)

More offensive issues

The Tigers have scored two or fewer runs in 25 of their 52 games this season. That puts them on pace to do it 78 times this season. They haven't scored two or fewer runs more than 47 times in any of the past four seasons. Here is a breakdown of how many times they have scored two or fewer:

2015: 25 times (on pace for 78)

2014: 47 times

2013: 39 times

2012: 41 times

2011: 35 times

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Jose Iglesias is batting .338 so far this season. (Mike Mulholland | MLive)

Position players: Who's hot?

The Tigers were fortunate to win even two games on their seven-game road trip, but Jose Iglesias was not to blame for their struggles. He batted .385 (5 for 13) with a double, an RBI and two walks. His .928 OPS during that stretch was by far the best of any Tigers everyday player.

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Nick Castellanos' batting average has dipped to .228. (AP photo)

Position players: Who's not?

It isn't difficult to find a struggling Tigers hitter right now. Over the past week, Nick Castellanos and Ian Kinsler both hit .136 (3 for 22). James McCann hit .167. Anthony Gose and Yoenis Cespedes batted .200. Rajai Davis hit .214. Miguel Cabrera and J.D. Martinez were at .250 or lower.

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The Detroit Tigers acquired Alex Wilson in a trade with Boston. (Mike Mulholland | MLive)

Pitchers: Who's hot?

Alex Wilson has been a pleasant surprise all season and posted excellent numbers (0.86 ERA, 0.52 WHIP, .119 opp. BA) in the month of May. Al Alburquerque (0.73 ERA, 1.14 WHIP in May) has turned things around after a poor start. Alfredo Simon (1-1, 2.10 ERA in May) has been the team's best starter to this point.

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Anibal Sanchez has been giving up a lot of home runs, one of the reasons his ERA has swelled to 5.75 so far this season. (Mike Mulholland | MLive)

Pitchers: Who's not?

Tom Gorzelanny allowed 11 hits and issued three walks in just 6 2/3 innings in May. Opponents hit .379 against him for the month. Anibal Sanchez (5.97 ERA in May) continues to struggle. Joba Chamberlain's 1.00 ERA in May was deceiving. Batters hit .316 against him last month. His WHIP was 1.67.

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Justin Verlander has made a rehab start with Toledo, but has yet to pitch for the Tigers this season. (Mike Mulholland | MLive)

Injury update

Justin Verlander (right triceps strain) will likely need at least one more rehabilitation start. Bruce Rondon (right biceps tendinitis) appears to be close to being ready to go. Alex Avila (loose body in left knee) is expected to resume baseball activities soon. Kyle Lobstein (left shoulder soreness) still isn't throwing. Victor Martinez (left knee inflammation) is expected to rejoin the Tigers in Detroit this week but doesn't appear to be on the verge of a return to game action.