McCann has former batterymate’s number

DETROIT — James McCann was Drew Smyly’s catcher at the University of Arkansas. They were Tigers second-round Draft picks, one year apart, and Spring Training teammates when Smyly made Detroit’s Opening Day rotation in 2012.

After two meetings as opponents, and two tiebreaking home runs, McCann is becoming Smyly’s nemesis.

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“I won’t remind him about it, no,” McCann said after his two-run homer Saturday put the Tigers on top for good in an eventual 5-4 win over the Rays. “I’m just glad I could do some damage today.”

McCann’s last two Major League home runs have come off Smyly. He went homerless after his go-ahead solo shot off him Sept. 7 at Comerica Park. The way his 2016 season had started, he was searching for hits of any type.

McCann was 7-for-55 with no extra-base hits entering Saturday. He entered the series 4-for-36 since his return from the disabled list (sprained right ankle), prompting extra hitting work with coach Wally Joyner on Friday afternoon.

Considering McCann puts together scouting reports on how to approach opposing hitters each series, plus his …

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