Justin Verlander (11-3, 3.43) vs. 
Dan Haren (12-3, 2.42), 10:05 p.m. EST
I hear the best way to get through trade deadline hangover is to focus on the games at hand. Fortunately, we have one hell of a pitching match-up tonight.
Dan Haren has only lost once since mid-April. And in that span of 20 starts, he's given up more than three runs in just one of those games. He leads the American League in ERA, and ranks among the top 10 in strikeouts. Only five pitchers in the majors have won more games. And among those who have started more than 20 games, he is one of five pitchers who has three losses or fewer for the season.
But Justin Verlander is also in that select group of starting pitchers. Almost all of his numbers are right there with Haren's. Verlander had a couple of shaky outings against the Mariners and Royals, but seems to have straightened himself out with a quality start last week versus the White Sox.
Wouldn't winning two games in a row feel good right now?
Short Hops:
▪▪ Pudge Rodriguez has decided to drop the appeal of his one-game suspension for bumping umpire Mike Winters. He'll serve the suspension immediately and miss tonight's game.
▪▪ In his third minor-league rehab outing, Fernando Rodney was pulled out of last night's game after reaching his 15-pitch limit. He's expected to pitch again tomorrow night. Rodney has allowed no runs and three hits in 2 2/3 innings with Triple-A Toledo.