Gio Gonzalez (1-3, 7.18) vs. 
Zach Miner (8-4, 3.72)
The quest for .500 continues, as the Tigers return home somewhat triumphantly following an unexpected series win at the Metrodome. Weren't the A's just in Detroit? Yes, they were. And that was one of the few series the Tigers won in August, taking two out of three at Comerica Park by a combined score of 20-5.
Something that might have prevented that scoring margin from being even wider was Gio Gonzalez not pitching in the series. Since getting called up from Triple-A, Gonzalez (who was part of the Nick Swisher trade) hasn't been very good. A big reason for that has been his control (or lack thereof). Gonzalez is averaging almost four walks a game, which is effectively neutralizing his rather impressive strikeout totals (27 in 26 1/3 innings). In his last three starts, each of which has been on the road, Gonzalez has allowed 12 runs.
Can Zach Miner finish the season with double-digit win totals? He certainly has a decent chance. Maybe not if he pitches the way he did in his last start, giving up five runs and eight hits in six innings. But that was against the Los Angeles Angels, probably the best team in baseball. Miner faced the A's earlier this season as a reliever, allowing one hit and two walks in 1 2/3 innings, which tagged him with a blown save.
Athletics Nation has your SB Nation opposing view for this three-game series.