Anthony Swarzak (3-4, 4.25) vs. 
Armando Galarraga (5-15, 5.22), 7:05 p.m. EST
After taking three of four from the Orioles in the first series of their latest homestand, the Tigers try to put a little more distance in the AL Central standings between themselves and the third-place Twins (currently 4.5 games back) this weekend.
In his last start for Minnesota, Anthony Swarzak was shelled for six runs (four earned) and nine hits in three innings against the Angels. In his previous two outings, however, the Twins' rookie allowed three runs in 13.2 innings. But facing the Angels in back-to-back appearances might have caught up with him. On the road this season, Swarzak is 2-0 with a 2.22 ERA (seriously) in four starts. This will be the first time he's faced the Tigers.
(Does Swarzak's name make anyone else think of the book Jarhead? No? It's just me, then?)
Armando Galarraga was awful last Sunday in Cleveland. There's really no kinder way to put it. After going into extra innings the previous two games, the Tigers needed a strong, sustained outing from him. But Galarraga fell into what's gotten him into trouble this season, falling behind hitters in the count and pitching tentatively, rather than aggressively. Maybe his numbers (eight runs, 11 hits) wouldn't have looked so bad if Detroit didn't need at least five innings from him, but that was a terribly disappointing outing.
The Twins might not be the team Galarraga needs to face to break his five-game winless streak, either. He has never beaten Minnesota, posting an 0-5 record and 5.63 ERA against them in seven appearances (six starts).
Twinkie Town has your SB Nation opposing view for this weekend's series.