Carlos Carrasco (0-0, -.--) vs. 
Edwin Jackson (10-6, 2.96), 7:05 p.m. EST
After splitting a four-game series with the defending AL champion Rays, the Tigers welcome the fourth-place Indians to town. But the Tribe hasn't been playing like a fourth-place team lately, going 15-12 in August.
Carlos Carrasco makes his major league debut tonight for the Indians. He was one of the prospects received in exchange for Cliff Lee, considered at one point by the Phillies to be their untouchable top minor leaguer. What can be expected from Carrasco tonight? His fastball averages around the low-90s, but it's used mainly to set up his change-up, which is considered his best pitch. Carrasco also mixes in a slider. Here's a detailed scouting report from last year, if you're interested.
Edwin Jackson was knocked around by the Angels in his last start, giving up four runs and eight hits over six innings. He also struggled with his control, issuing four walks. Perhaps Jackson was affected by 97-degree temperatures in Anaheim. But had the Tigers been able to generate some offense - an all-too-familiar problem this season - he might not have taken a loss. In three starts against the Indians this season, Jackson has a 2-0 record and 1.50 ERA. The last time he faced the Tribe, however, he lasted only four innings.
Magglio Ordonez and Adam Everett are back in the lineup for the Tigers. And though Jim Leyland hinted Aubrey Huff might be getting a couple days off, he's the designated hitter this evening.
- Clerical Issue: I barked earlier today about people hijacking comment threads with personal conversations. I'd like to clarify that I consider GameThreads different. Baseball games are long, with plenty of dead spaces in between action. We've established a nice community, and it's natural for people to sometimes veer off-topic and talk about other things. But please remember, this is a baseball blog.