Scott Baker (2-0, 4.63) vs.
Nate Robertson (0-1, 7.84)
The Minnesota Twins could be exactly the team Nate Robertson needs to see right now. He hasn't been very good in his first two starts this season, but against the Twins, he's been fantastic recently. In his last three games vs. Minnesota, Robertson only allowed three runs over 21 innings.
Scott Baker hasn't been quite as successful against the Tigers, failing to get the win in each of his three starts. However, the last time he pitched at Comerica Park, Baker was outstanding, allowing just one run and three hits over eight innings. Fortunately for Detroit, Jeremy Bonderman was just a little better that night, keeping the Twins off the scoreboard.
Tonight, to commemorate the anniversary of Jackie Robinson's debut, several Twins and Tigers players will be wearing Robinson's #42. You can see which Minnesota players will wear #42 here, but one of them will be former (and admittedly bitter) Tiger Craig Monroe, who will start tonight at designated hitter. The six Tigers wearing #42 tonight will be Dontrelle Willis, Jacque Jones, Curtis Granderson, Gary Sheffield, Marcus Thames, and Ivan Rodriguez.
Short Hops:
- Twinkie Town is worried about Pat Neshek.
- Baseball Digest Daily's Bill Baer believes trading Sheffield could solve some problems for the Tigers.
- Speaking of Sheffield, Detroit Tigers Thoughts points to an interesting (though troubling) article about his aching shoulder.
- Granderson (whose batting practice went well today, hopefully) wants some appreciation for Clete Thomas and Brandon Inge.