DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers aren’t used to being in the position of only playing for pride.

They aren’t good at it, either.

Friday, after a road trip where they gave up 61 runs in six games, the Tigers returned to Comerica Park and were routed 8-1 by the Cleveland Indians.

Instead of playing for their fifth straight AL Central title, or even a wild-card spot, it might be too late for the Tigers to even save manager Brad Ausmus’ job.

“We’re not where we expected to be and we’re not where we wanted to be,” said Bryan Holaday. “This is definitely tough, mentally, on everyone.”

Detroit has lost seven of eight and been outscored 71-21 in that stretch as Ausmus tries to piece together a pitching staff. That got significantly tougher after the trades of David Price and Joakim Soria and injuries to Anibal Sanchez and Daniel Norris.

“We traded David Price and he’s a horse who generally goes deep into games and saves your bullpen,” Ausmus said. “Sanchie goes down, and he was one of the guys we were counting on, and we’re basically replacing those guys with rookies, and then Norris goes down, and he was the top guy in the Price trade. It has all kind of snowballed.”

Kyle Lobstein (3-6), who had been sidelined since May 23 with a shoulder injury, allowed six runs on eight hits and two walks in 4 1/3 innings.