Jesse Litsch (8-7, 4.46) vs.
Armando Galarraga (10-4, 3.23)
With one game left in this four-game series, the Tigers try to avoid a crushing sweep at the hands of the Blue Jays. Although, really, this series has already been crushing. If you had any delusions whatsoever about the Detroit Tigers still being in contention for the AL Central, those hopes have surely been pummeled into dust.
The Tigers are now 9 1/2 games out of first place. Cleveland and Kansas City are both within four games of catching them.
But if there's one guy on this pitching staff right now that seems capable of stopping this losing streak and providing even just a momentary winning feeling, it's Armando Galarraga. He's thrown four quality starts in a row, giving the Tigers just about their only dependable option to start a game these days. (Zach MIner, you get a pat on the head, too.) Galarraga beat the Jays in his second start of the season, giving up no runs and three hits in 5 1/3 innings.
By the way, did you know Galarraga has the second-most wins in the majors among rookies? You probably don't want to hear who has the most.
Jesse Litsch is fresh up from the minors, after being sent down in late July to work on adding a four-seam fastball and featuring his sinker more. Before getting sent down to Triple-A Syracuse, Litsch had lost his previous three starts. However, he began this season strong, with a 7-1 record and 3.18 ERA. This will be the first time he faces the Tigers.