Kenny Rogers (6-6, 4.55) vs. 
Garrett Olson (6-4, 5.65)
Jim Leyland may not like getting just three days off, when roughly 75% of the other major league teams gets four, but Detroit's All-Star break comes to an end tonight in Baltimore. The Orioles and Tigers will be the only two American League teams playing tonight.
Both teams enter crucial stretches of their season. Tonight begins an 11-game homestand for the O's, and a successful one could put them back in the AL East race. And we know what's at stake for the Tigers over the next 10 games. A nice run puts them squarely in competition for the AL Central. A bad one could render August and September disappointing, with trade rumors as the juice that keeps things interesting.
July hasn't been very good for Garrett Olson, as he's gotten shelled in his two starts this month. In his last nine innings, he's given up 13 runs (12 earned) and 15 hits. However, Olson hasn't lost in Camden Yards this year, going 3-0 with a 4.28 ERA in six starts. This will be his first time facing the Tigers.
Kenny Rogers hasn't won in his two July starts, either, though he's pitched better than Olson. Against Minnesota in his last outing, Rogers had to settle for a no-decision after seven innings. From there, the Twins made the comeback that rocked the Tigers' world, according to Ron Gardenhire. In 14 career starts at Camden Yards, Rogers has a 4-3 record and 4.22 ERA.
Carlos Guillen won't be in the lineup tonight, as he's back in Detroit to take care of his wife, who just had surgery. Reportedly, everyone is doing fine.
Camden Chat has your SB Nation opposing view for this four-game series.
Short Hops:
- Jason Beck is reporting that Zach Miner will be the starting pitcher for the Tigers on Monday.
- The Daily Fungo discovered some potentially good news for the Tiger Stadium preservation effort at Senator Carl Levin's website.