"We're a really good team," Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson said after the eighth loss in nine games. "We just got to play like it."

The Tigers (60-42) have lost eight of their last nine games and now face the possibility of being swept by the last-place Pirates.

The Detroit Tigers are looking for some semblance of a spark as they're calling up No. 10 prospect Troy Melton, who will make his Major League Baseball debut against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday.

The Tigers lost, 8-5, to the Pittsburgh Pirates. They have posted a 14-17 record since June 14 — and a 1-8 record since July 9.

Tommy Kahnle was a ball of energy bouncing through the clubhouse before the game Tuesday. After a brief chat with two reporters, he broke off a nifty cartwheel through the clubhouse.

Even with their recent poor play in mind, the Detroit Tigers hold MLB's largest division lead and are sure-fire buyers at this year's MLB trade deadline. The on

The Pirates, who had lost 11 of their previous 12 games, have taken the first two games of the series from the AL Central leaders.

Riley Greene will be the designated hitter for the Detroit Tigers on Monday night in Pittsburgh. The Tigers (60-40) start a three-game series at PNC Park against the Pirates (39-61) at 6:40 p.m. Catcher Jake Rogers; infielder Javier Baez; and outfielders Wenceel Perez and Jahmai Jones will be available off the bench.