Detroit Tigers Homestand Preview

"Home Sweet Home" has been more than a colloquilism for the Detroit Tigers this season. While road games may seem like the team has "Gone Fishin'", their 36-18 home mark ranks among the best in the majors.

Despite a disappointing 1-3 road trip to Boston, the Tigers ride the momentum of a 100 mph Justin Verlander fastball back to the Motor City.

Tonight marks the start of a 6 game homestand that will see the Kansas City Royals and Seattle Mariners come to town, each for three games.

Friday, August 14
Zack Grienke (11-7, 2.43) vs. Jarrod Washburn (8-7, 3.12)

The AL ERA leader takes on the Tigers for the fourth time this season having gone 2-1 with a 1.50 ERA in his previous three. Jarrod Washburn boasts a career mark of 8-6 with 3.16 ERA against the Royals.

Washburn's Tigers career has gotten off to an inauspicious start. Washburn ranks sixth in the AL in ERA despite adding nearly half a run per game since joining the Tigers. Jarrod has had trouble keeping the ball down in the zone and has given up two home runs each of his two starts as a Tiger. A third consecutive start at Comerica Park should help the veteran lefty learn to use the outfield to his advantage.

Saturday, August 15
Luke Hochevar (6-5, 5.38) vs. Edwin Jackson (8-5, 2.79)

Edwin Jackson will look to shake off a poor start in Boston and return to the form that propelled him to the AL's fourth best ERA. Jackson has only faced the Royals once this year, going 0-1 with a 2.84. Hochevar, making his first start of the season against the Tigers, has given up at least four earned runs in each of his last three outings.

Sunday, August 16
Kyle Davies (4-8, 6.11) vs. TBA

Armando Galarraga will get the start for the suspended Rick Porcello if he has fully recovered. If not, the recently recalled Eddie Bonine will take the mound.

Galarraga has been inconsistent for much of the season while Bonine could be called on for an emergency start for the second time this season. On July 24, Eddie gave the Tigers six quality innings to complete a double header sweep of the White Sox.

The Tigers will look to tee off on Kyle Davies as they did during 9-1 and 8-3 victories earlier this season. Placido Polanco has five of his 53 RBI off of Kyle Davies.

Tuesday, August 18 - Thursday, August 20
Seattle Mariners vs. Detroit Tigers

Barring pitching rotation changes, the Tigers figure to face Felix Hernandez, Ian Snell and Ryan Rowland-Smith.

The Tigers rotation may be in a bit of flux as the return of Rick Porcello from suspension and an off day on Monday allows Jim Leyland to set up his rotation as he wants it.

Justin Verlander will surely get the nod on Tuesday or Wednesday, while Washburn will probably get the chance to face his old club on Thursday.

The Tigers and Mariners have split the season series 3-3 so far. Each team has taken two out of three on the road.

Around the AL Central
Upcoming Schedule:
Tigers: Kansas City 8/14-8/16, Seattle 8/18-8/20
White Sox: @Oakland 8/14-8/16, Kansas City 8/17-8/19
Twins: Cleveland 8/14-8/16, @Texas 8/17-8/20
Indians: @Minnesota 8/14-8/16, Los Angeles 8/18-8/20
Royals: @Detroit 8/14-8/16, @Chicago 8/17-8/19

Current Standings:

Team	GB
Tigers	0
White Sox	2.5
Twins	5
Indians	11
Royals	15

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