The Detroit Tigers built themselves up to begin their most recent homestand, taking two of three against their biggest rival, the Cleveland Guardians. Unfortunately, that would be the last series the Tigers have won. Getting swept by the Chicago White Sox the following series, losing two of three to the underperforming Pittsburgh Pirates, and now dropping the series opener to the Kansas City Royals, Detroit's playoff chances are declining at the worst possible time. A major reason for the Tigers' recent downfall has been underperforming hitters in the middle of the lineup. However, amid all the negativity, two Detroit batters are doing all they can to keep the offense afloat. 2 Hot Tiger Hitters1. 2B Gleyber TorresDetroit Tigers designated hitter Gleyber Torres (25) hits a solo home run. Credit | USA TODAY Network via Reuters ConnectThe Tigers' offense goes as veteran second baseman Gleyber Torres goes. Keeping Torres at the MLB Trade Deadline may have surprised many, but he's been one of the most professional hitters in the lineup since the middle of August. Since the beginning of the White Sox series (Friday, Aug 14), Torres is 10-for-29 (.345 AVG). While he went hitless in the series opener in Kansas City, he collected at least one hit in each of the Chicago games until the series finale against Pittsburgh. This season, Torres is batting .266 with eight home runs and an OPS of .769. Regardless of whether the Tigers make the playoffs, Torres has fulfilled his purpose and is not hindering the franchise.2. INF Colt KeithDetroit Tigers designated hitter Colt Keith (33) hits a single. Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectWhile Colt Keith might not get a start in the lineup every day, when he's included, he's helping the cause. In his third year with Detroit, Keith might not be hitting the ball out of the ballpark as much as he did in his first two seasons (nine home runs), but he puts himself in positions to pass the baton of success. Since the beginning of the White Sox series (Friday, Aug 14), Keith has collected seven hits in 17 at-bats (.412 AVG). He entered the game against Kansas City and right away contributed again, ripping a double down the right-field line. He's starting to force manager A.J. Hinch's hand to put him in the lineup every day, regardless of some inconsistencies in the field. 2 Cold Tiger Hitters1. C Dillon DinglerDetroit Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler (13) walked off the field after warm-up. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters ConnectOne of the biggest reasons for the Tigers' first-half renaissance was Dillon Dingler performing like an MVP candidate. Unfortunately, since the trade deadline, Dingler has been a much different hitter at the plate. Since the series opener against Chicago, Dingler has gone 2-28 (.071 AVG), and since Aug 9 against the San Francisco Giants, the All-Star catcher has collected three hits in 49 at-bats. For Detroit to make a realistic comeback into the playoff picture, Dingler has to return to his early-season form. 2. 1B Spencer TorkelsonDetroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson (20) takes ground balls before the game. Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectSpencer Torkelson, a crucial hitter in the middle of the Detroit Tigers' lineup, has struggled recently. Once one of the most consistent performers on the team, Torkelson's bat has gone cold just when the Tigers need him most, especially with both Dingler and Riley Greene unavailable to contribute.Since the beginning of the White Sox series, Torkelson is 1-for-20 (.050). He entered that series with a .232 batting average, and after the start of the Royals series, he's now hitting .224. On top of that, the slugger has yet to hit a home run in August, which is a major part of his game. Torkelson continues to bounce around the middle of the Tigers lineup, and he should continue to play, but he needs to figure something out. Entering the second game of the series, Detroit holds a 9.8% chance of making the playoffs, according to FanGraphs. Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow