Detroit Tigers, 69-58, 2nd place, 2 back, 1 back for WC spot.
The Tigers hit the road after a successful 6-3 home stand (that somehow didn’t feel like 6-3) with a little mini-trip to KC for three, before returning for a big series against Chicago.
Kansas City shouldn’t be taken too lightly: less than 2 weeks ago they did the Tigers a huge favor and swept the White Sox in 3, and this after taking 2-of-3 in Chicago earlier in the month. In fact the Royals have accounted for 5 of the last 8 White Sox losses.
Justin Verlander takes the mound, and should be taking tonight’s outing more seriously than the last time he was in Kansas City, when he started the All-Star game, tried to light up the radar gun, and was instead himself lit up. The Royals uniforms in the batters box should be a welcome sight: JV is 14-2, 2.36 career against KC, and 9-2 1.83 at Kaufmann. Excluding All-Star games.
Tigers go up against Luis Mendoza, who, unfortunately, struggles with command, which against the Tigers is not a bug, it’s a feature.
Miguel Cabrera will be back at the hot corner, Dirks is bumped down to the 2-spot, and Delmon Young keeps his temporary hold on the 5th spot.
Stat of the Day: Tiger pitchers are on a hot streak. Over the last 5 games they have gone 4-1 with a 1.53 ERA, a team 0.894 WHIP, and a .190 batting average against.
Today’s Player of the Pre-game: Miguel Cabrera. Let’s hope the ankle holds up, and Jeff Baker stays scarce.
Todays Q-Brera Lineup:
- Austin Jackson CF
- Andy Dirks RF
- Miguel Cabrera 3B
- Prince Fielder 1B
- Delmon Young DH
- Alex Avila C
- Jhonny Peralta SS
- Omar Infante 2B
- Quintin Berry RF