Game 145: Athletics (65-78) at Tigers (70-74)

Dana Eveland (8-8, 4.28) vs. Nate Robertson (7-10, 6.30)

Well, look who's back in the Tigers' starting rotation - even if it's only for a spot appearance.  Nate Robertson steps in for the aching Kenny Rogers, who's been batting a sore hip.  Is that the reason for Rogers' recent struggles (11.57 ERA in his last three starts)?  Jim Leyland thinks it might be a factor.

So for one night, at least, Robertson gets the start.  Demoting him to the bullpen hasn't exactly turned him around, as he's given up seven runs in five relief innings.  But the last time he won a game as a starting pitcher, it was against these Oakland Athletics.  That was one of his best outings of the season, holding the A's to one run and five hits over 7 2/3 innings.

Dana Eveland had one of his worst games of the season in early June against Detroit, walking a career-high seven batters.  Unfortunately, the Tigers couldn't drive many of those runners in, and Eveland actually escaped with a no-decision.  Looking at the numbers from his last start, it appears Eveland had a bad game, giving up four runs on 10 hits.  According to him, however, he had good stuff and wasn't hit all that hard. 

Dusty Ryan gets the start at catcher tonight, with Brandon Inge moving over to third base.