"It's evident in the speed with which he gets dressed without comment.

In the fact he doesn't smile as much.

In the hint of the hitch with which he walks.

In the pitches he's not hitting.

You also can hear it in the announcements that, physically, Magglio Ordonez just isn't himself.

This has been a trying 10-game kickoff for the Tigers.

But not a disastrous start at 3-7 following Monday's 2-0 loss to the Rangers.

Not even something the Tigers have to turn around instantly.

There is plenty of time to do it gradually.

But they can't let it continue in the direction it's headed.

There just aren't enough components clicking.

For instance, Justin Verlander (1-1) pitched an excellent game, but the Tigers didn't hit.

Winning pitcher Alexi Ogando was nasty, they said.

They've had other games in which they haven't hit enough, or pitched enough, or made enough plays.

"We just haven't been consistent," catcher Alex Avila said.

But it doesn't help when attrition becomes a problem.

Ordonez won't play today. He probably won't play Wednesday, either, because of tightness in his right Achilles tendon."