Game 12: Tigers (2-9) at White Sox (6-4)

Kenny Rogers (0-2, 3.38) vs. Javier Vazquez (1-1, 5.25)

The Detroit Tigers have a chance to win their first series of the season this afternoon in Chicago.  Between that, and taking two out of three from a division rival that's made them look bad, winning today's game could help the Tigers feel pretty good about themselves as they come home for a quickie two-game homestand vs. the Twins.

Kenny Rogers has pitched relatively well in his first two starts, though he was probably fortunate not to allow more than three runs on Tuesday against Boston.  The offense has been disappointing over the past 11 games, but it might be a toss-up between Rogers and Justin Verlander as to who's suffered more from a lack of run support.  Detroit hasn't scored any runs in either of Rogers' last two appearances.  And he could definitely use some today.  In two starts at U.S. Cellular Field last season, Rogers gave up 11 runs and 14 hits Ialong with five home runs and nine walks) in 10 innings.  (Is it worth mentioning he was fantastic there in 2006, going 2-1 with a 0.90 ERA?)

Javier Vazquez hasn't been great in his two starts so far this season, but he is striking out quite a few batters (14 in 12 innings).  Last year, Vazquez won each of his three starts against the Tigers, posting a 3.18 ERA and 23 strikeouts in 22 2/3 innings.  With the White Sox, his career record at home is 18-9 with a 3.98 ERA.

Rumor has it we'll see Brandon Inge at catcher today.  It'll be interesting to watch how that might affect what's arguably been the Tigers' best bat.

UPDATE:  Via Danny Knobler, Placido Polanco and Carlos Guillen are both out of the lineup today.  Polanco is sitting due to lower back stiffness, and Guillen misses his second straight game with a strained hamstring.

(You know, I would've loved to see the Tigers call up Jeff Larish - .265/.297/.706, five home runs, 10 RBI from the left-handed side of the plate - while Guillen is out, though recalling Ryan Raburn was probably the right move.)