Jarrod Washburn (7-6, 2.87) vs. 
Luke French (1-0, 1.89), 1:05 p.m. EST
Oh, we've got a battle of left-handers this afternoon at the CoPa! Can the Tigers get themselves a series win before the second-place (and closing in fast) White Sox swagger into town for four games this weekend?
For the Mariners, Jarrod Washburn has won his last three starts, giving up a total of two runs and 13 hits in 22 innings. He also walked just two batters in those three games, so batters have to hit their way on base against him. That worked for the Indians in Washburn's last outing, as they smacked eight hits. But the Tribe couldn't drive many of those runners in. (Sound like a familiar problem?)
The last time Washburn faced the Tigers, however, they demolished him for nine runs and 12 hits in just 2.1 innings. In 14 career starts against Detroit, Washburn has a 4-8 record and 5.51 ERA. At Comerica Park, he's 3-3 with a 6.21 ERA in seven appearances.
Luke French pitched well enough to win last Friday night at Yankee Stadium. Unfortunately, Joel Zumaya and his aching shoulder blew up in the seventh inning, costing both French and the Tigers a win. But in his three starts since getting called up from the minors, French has given Detroit a dependable fifth starter, allowing four runs in 16 innings. (Six walks are a bit of a concern, however.)
As expected, Brandon Inge is back in the lineup today, batting seventh. And Dusty Ryan is making his first start at catcher since July 4. Hopefully, Dusty's not too rusty.