Justin Verlander (10-4, 3.38) vs.
CC Sabathia (8-6, 3.86), 1:05 p.m. EST
Didn't that last game just end? After a tough loss in which the Tigers blew a late-inning lead to the Yankees, they try to bounce back quickly for a Saturday matinee. And maybe that's the best thing for them, to get that loss out of their system as soon as possible.
CC Sabathia lost two of his last three starts before the All-Star break, giving up 12 runs and 22 hits in 19.1 innings. In eight starts at home this season, he's 2-2 with a 4.55 ERA. Sabathia faced the Tigers earlier this season at Comerica Park (also matched up against Justin Verlander), and went eight innings into the ballgame. But he gave up four runs and six hits, which wasn't good enough to beat Verlander, who shut out the Yankees over seven innings.
Verlander should be nicely rested after not pitching in Tuesday's All-Star Game and having his turn in the rotation pushed back an extra day by Jim Leyland. He finished his first half of the season strong with two straight wins, allowing three runs over 13 innings with 20 strikeouts. Both of those starts were at home, however, and Verlander hasn't been as dominant on the road. In 11 starts away from Comerica Park, his record is 4-4 with a 4.98 ERA
Something that might come up during the telecast: Today is the 10th anniversary of David Cone's perfect game at Yankee Stadium vs. the Montreal Expos.