(Sports Network) - Having completed the first quarter of the season, there is no question what has been the culprit for the Detroit Tigers' horrendous start.

The starting pitching, by and large, has just been awful. Entering play Tuesday, Detroit's starters have assembled a 9-18 record and a 5.55 ERA, both of which rank way at the bottom of the majors.

The offense, on the other hand, has at least been respectable. That the Tigers and their potent lineup rank third in the American League in runs scored (180) and fifth in team batting average (.264) should come as little surprise, considering hitting was supposed to be the team's M.O. this season.

But these Tigers are proving quite convincingly that all the hitting in the world doesn't make a difference as long as you're giving up more runs than you're scoring. It's like an Olympic downhill skier living in Louisiana.

After Sunday's rainout and Monday's off day, the Tigers will have had a couple of days to rest up and refocus as they kick off a six-game road swing, beginning in Kansas City tonight. And the rest could not come at a better time, with Detroit having lost seven of its last nine and falling further off the pace in the division.

Manager Jim Leyland acknowledged over the weekend that, despite the inconsistencies of the entire division, the Tigers will need to get going soon. Easier said than done. Saturday's 5-2 loss to the Yankees more or less encapsulated what has plagued the Tigers all season long.

Jeremy Bonderman barely pitched long enough to break a sweat, getting yanked after four innings, five earned runs and a deficit from which the Tigers would never recover. It was the first time in five games this season that the Yankees got the best of the Tigers.

On Tuesday, Detroit will have a chance to exact some revenge of its own, as they try to pay Kansas City back for that season-opening sweep which got the Tigers off on the wrong foot. They've been climbing uphill ever since.

SHEFFIELD, CABRERA ADJUSTING TO NEW POSITIONS

Apparently, Gary Sheffield just needed some change of scenery. Since being switched from third to sixth in the order, and from the designated hitter spot to left field, Sheffield appears to be re-ignited. In the five games since the change, he is batting .333 with a pair of doubles and three RBI.

Despite a nagging shoulder injury, Sheffield said playing the field has improved his focus level.

"I feel more like a baseball player, being in the game, getting a sweat going," Sheffield said on the team's Web site. "I feel better when I'm in tune with the game."

Meanwhile, Miguel Cabrera is still getting adjusted to his new role at first base. Every day, he is getting extended work there prior to batting practice. At the plate, Cabrera is hitting just .252. He hasn't homered since May 1st.

"I think he's going to relax here shortly and go on a tear is what I think," manager Jim Leyland said of Cabrera, who signed a $153 million contract in the offseason. "I think he's getting ready, close, and I don't know if I'm right or not, but I just kind of smell like he's getting close to going on a tear."

REINFORCEMENTS COMING TO BACK END OF 'PEN

Oft-injured relievers Joel Zumaya and Fernando Rodney are set to make their respective rehab assignments. They've both been throwing off the mound and this week, they are both scheduled to throw to hitters.

"They're making progress, but we're going to make sure everything's right," Leyland told the team's Web site. "We're not rushing anything."

Zumaya had surgery on his right shoulder in November and wasn't expected to be available until sometime this summer. Rodney has had a nagging case of tendinitis in his right shoulder, though he has been pain-free lately.

WHO'S HOT

Magglio Ordonez (8-for-20), Placido Polanco (8-for-18) and Ivan Rodriguez (7- for-14, four doubles) have each been swinging a hot stick.

WHO'S NOT

Curtis Granderson is in a 2-for-20 rut.

A LOOK AHEAD

Tonight in Kansas City, Nate Robertson (1-4, 6.64) will look to put together his first quality start of the season when he faces up-and-comer Zack Greinke (4-1, 1.80). Justin Verlander (1-6, 6.43), yet another one of Detroit's struggling starters, will take on Luke Hochevar (2-2, 4.94) on Wednesday. And on Thursday, veteran southpaw Kenny Rogers (3-3, 5.82) will square off with Gil Meche (2-5, 6.31).

Jeremy Bonderman (2-4, 4.80) gets the nod in Friday's series opener in Arizona, and he will face Dan Haren (4-2, 3.04).