Zach Greinke (1-1, 1.38) vs. Justin Verlander (0-0, 0.00)
It has to feel good for the Tigers to come back home. Since Toronto isn't too far from Detroit, maybe there won't be the same sort of travel hangover that may have plagued the team upon returning from the West Coast. And with 10 of their first 12 games on the road, taking the field at Comerica Park might feel like Opening Day all over again, minus the pageantry of flag raisings and ring ceremonies.
Verlander is currently a victim of the Tigers' infrequent hitting. He's pitched 13 innings without giving up an earned run, but like Jeremy Bonderman and Nate Robertson, the run support just hasn't been there so far. How good would Detroit's record be right now if the lineup could consistently put some runs on the scoreboard? They could've swept Toronto had the bats not disappeared in two of those games. (Still tippin' the cap to Roy Halladay, of course.)
Greinke might keep those Tigers bats down tonight, too. He's been outstanding, only giving up one earned run in each of his first two starts. And in nine appearances against Detroit, the young man has a 6-1 record with a 2.08 ERA. He has no fear of the CoPa either, going 4-1 with a 2.54 ERA.
However, Kansas City comes into Detroit on a four-game winning streak and have their own troubles scoring runs. The Royals only managed six runs in three games in Baltimore.
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UPDATE: Matt Wallace's new blog on the Detroit Tigers' minor leagues is up and running. It's called Take 75 North. Stop by and say "What up?"