Jarrod Washburn (9-8, 3.55) vs. 
Lenny DiNardo (0-0, -.--), 2:10 p.m. EST
I didn't think I'd be writing this (nor do I think any Tigers fans thought they'd be reading this), but... after losing the first two games in this series, can the Tigers salvage a win from the Royals in today's matinee finale?
Lenny DiNardo gets the spot start for the Royals, filling in for Zack Greinke, who was pushed back to tomorrow to get an extra day of rest. The Tigers might be thankful for that decision. DiNardo pitched quite well in Triple-A Omaha, however. In 29 games (23 starts), he posted a 10-5 record and 3.32 ERA with 127 strikeouts and 38 walks in 151.2 innings. His last appearance in the majors was in August 2008 for Oakland. And that game was against the Tigers, who scored four runs (three earned) in one inning against him.
Jarrod Washburn missed his last turn in the Tigers' starting rotation to give his sore left knee a rest. Will a nine-day break do the trick? Washburn hasn't been great in six starts with Detroit, compiling a 1-2 record and 6.81 ERA. In his last start, the Rays shelled him for eight runs. But his best performance with the Tigers was against the Royals. The last time he faced K.C., he pitched eight shutout innings, allowing only three hits.
It's an all right-handed lineup for the Tigers against DiNardo. Ryan Raburn is in centerfield and leading off. Wilkin Ramirez gets the start in left field. And Marcus Thames is the DH.