Zack Greinke (13-8, 2.19) vs. 
Edwin Jackson (12-6, 3.22), 1:05 p.m. EST
I'm usually a fan of day games (especially when skipping out on work or school during the week to catch a ballgame), but this time around, I wish we had a little more time to reflect on last night. Personally, I feel like I'm trying to catch up. But the games go on, the schedule doesn't stop. And so we must follow.
Zack Greinke hasn't lost in his past four starts (though only got the win in two of them), allowing only three earned runs 32 innings. (That's an 0.84 ERA.) He's been the odds-on favorite for the AL Cy Young Award all season, but is definitely making a push to help his candidacy.
The last time he pitched against Detroit, Greinke pitched seven shutout innings, giving up just three hits. That's the kind of performance that has many fans cringing over the Tigers' chances today. However, Detroit is 2-2 in games versus Greinke this season, so facing him is not a lost cause.
Edwin Jackson hasn't lost in his past three starts, though he isn't exactly asserting himself over the game the way Greinke is. He was actually pretty fortunate to escape with a no-decision in his last start, as he squandered most of a three-run lead by suddenly serving up two late-inning home run balls to the Blue Jays. Jackson has faced the Royals twice this season, posting a 1-1 record and 3.65 ERA.
One notable lineup change today: Don Kelly starts in right field, presumably over Clete Thomas. Alex Avila starts at catcher, despite Gerald Laird batting .353 against Greinke. Aubrey Huff has a .316 average with three RBIs versus Greinke, as well.