As Evan Petzold returns from paternity leave, the Detroit Tigers hold the best record in the American League (22-13) and lead MLB with a plus-63 run differential through 35 games in the 2025 season. They've also launched a league-leading 20 home runs since April 28, doing so in the first seven games of their 10-game road trip. What has stood out most over the first 35 games? And what should we expect from Javier Báez moving forward?

Tigers radio analyst Bobby Scales joins the Days of Roar podcast to break down Detroit's early success, hitting coach Michael Brdar's game planning, and how opposing pitchers are adjusting to Spencer Torkelson, plus he shares his take on Báez's resurgence.To close the show, Evan and Mark Gorosh analyze the Tigers' decision to cut struggling pitcher Kenta Maeda, share injury updates and debate a key question: Which former No. 1 overall pick inspires more confidence — Spencer Torkelson or Casey Mize?

Follow Evan on X/Twitter here. 

Read Evan's most recent work here 

As Evan Petzold returns from paternity leave, the Detroit Tigers hold the best record in the American League (22-13) and lead MLB with a plus-63 run differential through 35 games in the 2025 season. They've also launched a league-leading 20 home runs since April 28, doing so in the first seven games of their 10-game road trip. What has stood out most over the first 35 games? And what should we expect from Javier B&aacute;ez moving forward?
Tigers radio analyst Bobby Scales joins the Days of Roar&nbsp;podcast to break down Detroit's early success, hitting coach Michael Brdar's game planning, and how opposing pitchers are adjusting to Spencer Torkelson, plus he shares his take on B&aacute;ez's resurgence.To close the show, Evan and Mark Gorosh analyze the Tigers' decision to cut struggling pitcher Kenta Maeda, share injury updates and debate a key question: Which former No. 1 overall pick inspires more confidence &mdash; Spencer Torkelson or Casey Mize?
Follow Evan on <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanPetzold">X/Twitter here.</a>&nbsp;
Read Evan's <a href="https://www.freep.com/staff/3109264001/evan-petzold/">most recent work here</a>&nbsp;

Hosted by Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. Days of Roar can generally be found every Monday wherever you listen to podcasts. Tune in to listen to engaging conversations and unique perspectives on your Detroit Tigers. Evan brings insider insights and analysis as a Tigers beat writer. Days of Roar is your go-to Tigers podcast for all the best news, analysis, insights and opinions on the team.

Hosted by Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. Days of Roar can generally be found every Monday wherever you listen to podcasts. Tune in to listen to engaging conversations and unique perspectives on your Detroit Tigers. Evan brings insider insights and analysis as a Tigers beat writer. Days of Roar is your go-to Tigers podcast for all the best news, analysis, insights and opinions on the team.

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