Garrett Olson (8-6, 6.06) vs.
Zach Miner (6-4, 3.41)
Why have Sundays become all about the salvage? No, the Tigers aren't faced with just trying to get one win out of this series in today's finale with the Orioles, but a victory would give them a winning record on this 10-game homestand, and help them salvage a shred of respectability going into a six-game road trip.
After a nice start from Justin Verlander last night, one of Detroit's most reliable starters over the past month takes the mound today. Zach Miner has only lost one of his five starts since rejoining the team, while winning three of them and posting a 2.15 ERA. The Tigers aren't yet willing to commit to Miner for next year's starting rotation, as they have with Armando Galarraga, but if he keeps pitching the way he has, they'd be crazy not to make him part of 2009's starting five.
You can't presume anything when it comes to the Tigers' lineup these days (especially with Jim Leyland's Sunday lineups), but Garrett Olson looks primed to be pounded. In six of his last eight starts, Olson has allowed five or more runs. On the road this season, he has a 4-5 record and 6.83 ERA, giving up 79 hits in 56 2/3 innings.
No Carlos Guillen or Magglio Ordonez in the lineup today. Ryan Raburn gets the start in right, with Brandon Inge playing third, and Dane Sardinha behind the plate.