Tigers, Gleyber Torres both feeling pain of his prolonged absence The Detroit Tigers' recent 2-15 skid into the doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles has been attributed not only to Tarik Skubal’s injury but also to the absence of second baseman Gleyber Torres, who has been sidelined since May 4. Manager AJ Hinch emphasized that Torres’ absence has disrupted the team’s offensive rhythm, particularly due to his consistent on-base skills and ability to extend at-bats. Without him, the Tigers have averaged 2.4 runs per game, hit below .200, and ranked last in the league in home runs during this stretch. Torres, who was placed on the injured list with a left oblique strain, has not played since May 2. His absence has led to a significant drop in offensive production, with the team recording seven or fewer hits in nine games before Sunday’s matchup. This marks only the second time in franchise history that the Tigers have endured such a prolonged hitting slump, with the previous instance occurring during their 1968 championship season. Since May 4, the Tigers have managed just 15 hits in 115 at-bats with runners in scoring position, including eight games where they failed to record a hit in critical situations. Hinch highlighted how Torres’ presence has been a stabilizing force in the lineup. “If you just take one skill of the many that he has, the on-base, the consistent at-bat, the longer at-bat — there’s always a hit in there. Even on his bad days, he’s going to find a way to get on base or get a hit. That’s a very stable thing to have at the top of our order,” Hinch said. The loss of Torres has forced adjustments in the batting order, moving Dillon Dingler up toward the top of the lineup and elevating Colt Keith to the No. 6 spot.#detroit_tigers #baltimore_orioles #gleyber_torres #lakeland #aj_hinch
Publix Launches Three New Brisket Subs and a Sandwich as Part of Flavor Expansion Publix, the Lakeland-based grocer, has unveiled a new line of menu items designed to mark “a new era of flavor,” including three new brisket subs and one brisket sandwich. The additions aim to expand the company’s offerings in the deli section, with a focus on smoked brisket paired with a variety of toppings and sauces. The new products include the Publix Deli Stacked Brisket and Brioche Sandwich, which features a half-pound of smoked brisket drizzled with Sweet & Spicy BBQ sauce on a brioche roll. Two subs highlight the combination of brisket with cheese and vegetables: the Spicy Brisket Sub includes Boar’s Head 3-Pepper Colby Jack cheese, jalapeños, fried onions, and Sweet & Spicy BBQ sauce, while the Brisket, Lettuce, and Tomato Sub emphasizes the BBQ sauce as a central element. The Southern Style Brisket Sub blends smoked brisket with cheddar cheese, dill pickles, fried onions, and the same signature sauce. The development of these items followed extensive product testing panels conducted by Publix to identify the next protein to feature in its lineup. Brisket was selected as a standout option, reflecting consumer preferences and the grocer’s strategy to diversify its menu. The new items join a broader trend of innovation in the grocery sector, where retailers are increasingly focusing on premium ingredients and bold flavor combinations to attract customers. Publix’s recent financial performance underscores the company’s commitment to expanding its product range. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the grocer reported sales of $16 billion, a 2.8% year-over-year increase, with comparable-store sales rising 0.7%. However, the growth was partly influenced by the impact of Hurricane Milton, which boosted sales during the period.#publix #lakeland #boar_s_head #sweet_spicy_bbq_sauce #brisket
