Justin Verlander (4-9, 4.42) vs. 
Carlos Silva (4-9, 5.69)
After losing a series for the first time in their last seven match-ups, the Tigers head back out to the Pacific Northwest to play the Mariners, who provided Detroit with some wins even when they weren't playing that well. The Seattle ballclub has a bit of a different look to it since they last faced the Tigers, with both the field manager and general manager getting fired, and the roster (as well as ownership, perhaps?) likely undergoing a reconstruction.
So which 4-9 pitcher would you rather have starting for your team?
Justin Verlander has racked up high pitch counts in his last two outings, which has to be a concern for the Tigers. (Maybe that factored into the thinking of calling up Aquilino Lopez to take over for Zach Miner in middle relief.) But Verlander has allowed two runs or less in his last four starts, so he's keeping the game under control while he's in there. Last time he faced the Mariners in Seattle, Verlander took the loss, giving up four runs and eight hits in seven innings. That, by the way, was the only time the Tigers have lost to the Mariners this season.
Carlos Silva broke a personal seven-game losing streak by holding the Padres to two runs over eight innings in his last start. He did give up eight hits, however, which is consistent with his performance all season. Silva is sort of the much, much higher-paid version of Eddie Bonine, throwing strikes, keeping the ball on the ground, and not walking many batters. But opposing lineups do rack up the hit totals against him. Silva has lost both of his starts against the Tigers this season, and the most recent one was particularly brutal. In just 2/3 of an inning, Silva gave up seven runs and seven hits. Altogether, he's allowed 14 runs and 16 hits in 4 2/3 innings vs. Detroit this year.
I'm having problems with my internet access at home, so I don't know if I'll be able to join the BYB Brigade in tonight's GameThread. A lot of tree limbs and a troubling number of entire trees were knocked down in my area by thunderstorms last night, and the DSL lines must have been damaged. Maybe this is a sign to switch to cable. Anyway, we'll see what happens.
Lookout Landing has your SB Nation opposing view for this 4th of July weekend series. Enjoy your holiday, everyone!