The Detroit Tigers solidified their position atop the MLB standings with a commanding 7-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates at Comerica Park. Manager A.J. Hinch's squad improved to an impressive 47 wins this season, showcasing a strong performance on both offense and defense. Starting pitcher Casey Mize delivered a stellar outing, pitching seven innings while allowing only two earned runs on five hits. The Tigers' bullpen followed suit, with Chase Lee, Tommy Kahnle, and Brennan Hanifee combining for three scoreless innings to seal the win.

Before the game, a heartfelt tribute was paid to former player Don Kelly, now managing the Pirates, further highlighting the emotional connections within the team. Tigers' fans celebrated Kelly's return, creating an atmosphere of nostalgia. The victory not only boosts the Tigers' playoff aspirations but also emphasizes their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. As the season progresses, the Tigers continue to demonstrate the potential to be strong contenders.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have chosen to part ways with manager Derek Shelton after a disappointing 12-26 start to the season, promoting bench coach Don Kelly to interim manager. The move signals a desperate attempt to revitalize the team's fortunes, particularly with promising pitcher Paul Skenes, who boasts a 1.88 ERA despite a 4-6 record. Under Kelly, the team has shown slight improvement, going 15-14, but remains 13.5 games back in the division. Kelly's local ties and praise from baseball insiders suggest he might secure a permanent role.

Despite the challenges, Kelly's leadership has garnered respect, a sentiment echoed by former manager Jim Leyland. While the Pirates' playoff hopes appear slim, Kelly's ability to stabilize the team has sparked interest. General manager Ben Cherington has quelled trade rumors regarding Skenes, emphasizing the player's importance to the franchise. As the season progresses, the Pirates' direction remains uncertain, but Kelly's impact is undeniable.

Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch has reached out to Don Kelly after his promotion to manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates following Derek Shelton's dismissal. Having shared a past with Kelly, who was a utility player for the Tigers from 2009 to 2014 and served as Hinch's bench coach with Houston in 2019, Hinch offered his insights on transitioning to a managerial role. He expressed understanding of Kelly's mix of excitement and disappointment over Shelton's firing. The mutual respect and camaraderie fostered during their time together have enabled Hinch to provide mentorship as Kelly navigates the challenges of leading an MLB team.

A.J. Hinch has a wealth of managerial experience across 12 seasons, with significant victories under his belt, including 902 wins. He emphasized the whirlwind that comes with taking over a managerial position midseason. As the Pirates prepare for their interleague games against the Tigers, Hinch hopes to see Kelly thrive in this pivotal role, while also acknowledging the memory of his close friend Shelton.

The Pittsburgh Pirates made a significant change by firing manager Derek Shelton following a disappointing start to the season. The decision came amid a seven-game losing streak and a tough 12-26 record. General manager Ben Cherington cited the need for improved performance to meet fan expectations. Shelton's tenure included a total of 306 wins against 440 losses over five seasons, highlighting the struggles faced during the team's ongoing rebuild.

Replacing Shelton is longtime bench coach Don Kelly, who faces a daunting task ahead of him. Despite hopes pinned on rookie sensation Paul Skenes, the team's offensive performance has been dismal, ranking among the worst in the league. Cherington accepts significant responsibility for the team's struggles and remains optimistic about future improvements, emphasizing the need for consistent performance.

Don Kelly, previously a bench coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates, has been appointed as the new manager following the dismissal of Derek Shelton. This change comes after a tough start to the season, with the Pirates currently holding a 12-26 record and experiencing a seven-game losing streak. Kelly, who began his coaching career with the Houston Astros, is stepping into a managerial role for the first time after a successful coaching tenure. Pirates' owner Bob Nutting and GM Ben Cherrington expressed their confidence in Kelly's ability to reinvigorate the team, emphasizing his dedication to the organization and the city.

As a former player with the Pirates, Kelly's connection to the team is strong, having played nine seasons in the majors, including his debut in Pittsburgh in 2007. His promotion comes with high expectations as he attempts to lead the Pirates out of their current struggle and back to competitive form.