MLB Preview 2012: Tampa Bay Rays vs. Detroit Tigers

The Tampa Bay Rays (4-1) and Detroit Tigers (4-1) will play the rubber game of a three-game set on Thursday afternoon inside Comerica Park in Detroit, with the first pitch scheduled for 1:05 p.m. ET.

Las Vegas oddsmakers have established the Tigers as minus-119 home favorites, while the total stands at nine across the board.

Tampa Bay has jumped out to the best start in franchise history, which is quite different from becoming the first team in the American League to open a season with an 0-6 record and still advance to the playoffs.

The Rays were able to break through against Tigers' ace Justin Verlander in the ninth inning yesterday, scoring four runs en route to a 4-2 come-from-behind victory.

Jeff Niemann is set to make his 2012 debut for today's visitor, coming off an 11-7 campaign with a 4.06 ERA in 23 starts.

The right-hander will be looking for a little offensive support in this matinee affair, as he has gone 11-1 in his last 12 outings when the team scores three or more runs.

Niemann has a winning 8-6 record in 21 daytime appearances (20 starts) in his career, but his 5.40 ERA in that situation is much higher than his 3.82 ERA at night (68 games).

He received a no decision in his only career start at Comerica Park during his rookie season, allowing two earned runs in seven innings of work on Aug. 30, 2009.

Bettors will definitely take notice that the Rays are 5-1 in Niemann's last six road starts.

Detroit will be playing during the day for the fifth time in as many games, which isn't a bad thing when considering the team's 79-55 record under the sun over the last two-plus seasons.

The Tigers have also compiled a formidable 157-91 home record since the start of the 2009 season, as they close out a six-game homestand before heading off to the Windy City for a weekend series against the Chicago White Sox.

Drew Smyly will make his Major League debut in front of the home faithful this afternoon, coming off a respectable spring that saw him tally a 1-0 record and 4.00 ERA in five appearances.

The left-hander got some work in at the Triple-A level on Sunday, surrendering three runs in just 1.1 innings of work.  That served as his first appearance above Double-A competition in his career since being drafted in the second round of the 2010 draft.

Smyly will be facing an opponent that has gone 69-43 versus southpaws since the start of the 2010 season.

Weather forecasts anticipate game-time temperatures in the mid-50s, with light winds out of the southwest (right to left).