The Good: Jordan Zimmermann actually had an encouraging start after a whole lot of meh. The big righty went only 5+ innings and gave up 3 runs, but his fastball had life and his slider and changeup were swing and miss pitches. One troubling sign in previous Zimmermann starts was how flat and lifeless his repertoire looked. The main reason Zimmermann was unable to go 6 was an elevated pitch count. After making a fix following a video session, Zimmermann showed signs of who Tigers fans thought they were getting in 2016 before groin, shoulder, and neck injuries derailed much of the season.

The Bad: Actually, everything went pretty well Sunday. The bullpen gave the Tigers 4 (!!!!!!) scoreless innings, and K-Rod capped it off with a 1-2-3 9th. Okay maybe this belongs in the Good section too.

Maybe the only Bad to come out of Sunday’s getaway day matinee was that JZimm couldn’t go 6, and so Ausmus had to use four relievers (although he avoided having to use Justin Wilson in back to back games).

Anyway, I’m sure an intrepid reader with eagle-eyes will come up with something for the Bad section.

The Ugly:

Sorry, José.

In Other News:
• JaCoby Jones continues his rehab in Toledo. And his mom is posting pics of his new batting helmet/faceshield on twitter. Jones has gone 2-for-10 so far through 3 games on his rehab stint.
• Bruce Rondon has allowed 1 run in 4.2 IP in Toledo; he’s also struck out 5. Oh yeah, and he’s walked 4.
• The Tigers called up Chad Bell, a left-handed starter, from Toledo and sent Joe Jimenez back. The Tigers’ next opponent, the Cleveland Indians, are hitting at a .218 clip off lefties so far this season. Through 21.2 IP for Bell: 1.25 ERA, 18 H, 3 ER, 7 BB, 25 Ks.
• John Hicks and Jim Adduci have combined to go 19-for-46 as injury fill-ins. Both will likely end up back in Toledo soon, but have more than done their jobs offensively.
• Christin Stewart has reached in 7 straight with Double-A Erie.
• J.D. Martinez went 3-for-9 in an extended spring training game the other day. He was given an at bat in every inning.
• Miguel Cabrera appears set to come off the DL on Tuesday.