Mike Maroth (2-0, 4.82) vs. Odalis Perez (2-3, 6.91)

Recap of last night's game below.

It wasn't too pretty the last time Maroth faced the Royals, as he gave up four runs in 5 2/3 innings. But his teammates bailed him out with some bountiful run support, and the Tigers eventually won the game.  As long as Maroth pitches around David DeJesus, however, he probably stands a good chance to win.  

Remember, Mike: Nobody #@$%s with DeJesus.  The dude totally owns you.

Perez got knocked around in his last start against the Angels, allowing 10 hits in six innings.  Yet somehow, he only gave up three runs.  Opponents have scored at least three runs in each of Perez's starts, however, and the Tigers have been very good against left-handed starting pitching, so they might be able to put some numbers on the scoreboard. However, Maroth has been a bit generous with runs himself, so we might have something of a shootout this evening at Kauffman Stadium.

Two notes: Gary Sheffield will miss today's game, as he'll be attending his grandfather's funeral in Tampa.  And Jeremy Bonderman will have his next start pushed back from tomorrow to Tuesday, due to a blister on his right middle finger.