Last night Max Scherzer came through with a sparkling performance after falling apart the start before against the Giants.  Most impressively, he walked none, only getting to a 3-ball count 3 times.  This followed another solid outing by Brad Penny, who shook off a 4-run first to grind out a win.  Tonight is Rick Porcello’s turn to follow up the success of his last outing where he was wild but won.  Another good go by Porcello, and suddenly the starting pitching could begin to once again look like a strength of the team.

Porcello will by opposed by Kyle Davies, who has been having all sorts of trouble (1-7, 7.77), including rotator cuff inflammation.  In his April 13 start against Detroit he didn’t make it through the 4th inning.

And speaking of pitching, Jacob Turner, who began the season as Baseball America’s 21st ranked prospect, has jumped up to 11th in their midseason rankings. If the rotation continues to improve, and with Coke stabilizing the bullpen and Turner in the wings, is it possible the Tiger shopping list might veer away from pitching toward a position player?

Today’s Player of the Pre-Game:  Andy Dirks

Austin Jackson will miss the rest of the KC series with a sore wrist.  Dirks will try to hold down the fort in CF and takes over leadoff duties.

Today’s They Must Be Saving Kelly for the Bullpen Lineup:

1. Andy Dirks CF
2. Brennan Boesch LF
3. Magglio Ordonez RF
4. Miguel Cabrera 1B
5. Victor Martinez DH
6. Jhonny Peralta SS
7. Alex Avila C
8. Ryan Raburn 2B
9. Brandon Inge 3B