Robinson Tejeda (2-1, 3.21) vs. 
Jarrod Washburn (9-8, 3.60), 7:05 p.m. EST
According to our buddy Sam Mellinger, the Royals are in the midst of "the most disappointing season in franchise history." But part of that season was laying a three-game smackdown on the Tigers last week in Kansas City. Can the Tigers get some payback this week in Detroit?
Robinson Tejeda was outstanding against the Tigers in his last start, giving up just three hits, striking out eight batters, and pitching six innings of shutout baseball (out-dueling Justin Verlander in the process). That extended his scoreless streak to 19 innings. Will that streak end tonight? Tejeda has pitched in three games at Comerica Park, compiling a 2.16 ERA in 8.1 innings.
Jarrod Washburn is back in the Tigers' starting rotation after skipping his last turn to rest a sore left knee. No word on whether or not the rest helped, but he's back out there tonight. And in his last start, Washburn allowed three runs and seven hits over five innings to these very same Kansas City Royals. With the Tigers, Washburn is winless at Comerica Park in five starts with a 7.26 ERA.
Placido Polanco gets the night off. As a result, Ramon Santiago starts at second base, while Carlos Guillen bats in the lineup's #2 spot. Also, Magglio Ordonez will reach the required number of plate appearances to trigger his 2010 contract option tonight. So if you really don't want to see this happen, you'd better try to do something before Maggs's third plate appearance.