Jordan Tata (0-0, -.--) vs. 
Joe Blanton (8-7, 3.69), 10:05 p.m. EST
Anyone have Mike Maroth's number? Do you think the Tigers can talk St. Louis into making him the "player to be named later" in that trade right now? Or maybe they can bring Wil Ledezma back to Detroit, as he was designated for assignment by the Braves yesterday. (Another team will likely claim him on waivers; otherwise, the Braves have 10 days to trade him, release him, or send him to the minors.)
Jordan Tata is pitching for Kenny Rogers, who went on the disabled list for elbow inflammation yesterday. He hadn't won in three starts since the Triple-A All-Star break, but he gave up only one run in eight innings in his last appearance. Tata spent some time with the Tigers last year, filling in while Todd Jones was injured, and gave up 10 earned runs in 14 2/3 innings.
Joe Blanton hasn't won in his last four starts, in which he allowed 10 hits or more in each game, and served up five earned runs in three of them.
Nothing can probably be taken for granted right now with the way the Tigers have been pitchin, but these next three games against the A's could help them get well fast. Oakland was swept in Seattle over the weekend, and has lost 17 of 25 games in July. Captain Obvious says this isn't the same team Detroit faced in the ALCS last October.
Your SB Nation opposing view for this series is brought to you by the gang at Athletics Nation.
Short Hops:
▪▪ If you haven't heard, Octavio Dotel is no longer available. Kansas City dealt him to the Braves this evening. Why does Atlanta get all the trading fun?
▪▪ Kurt would like Gary Sheffield to zip it, especially when his remarks about Bud Selig are likely to get him suspended.
Getting penalized for speaking your opinion makes me uncomfortable, but if any of us stood on a table in the break room and insulted our boss, we'd probably get in some trouble.