Welcome back, Drew Smyly.
Smyly, the Detroit Tigers' rookie starter who had been on the disabled list for past two weeks, rejoins the rotation just in time to face the Texas Rangers. In triple-digit heat, no less.
Smyly, 2-2 with a 4.53 ERA, was relegated to the DL with a nasty blister on his pitching hand. The blister, according to Smyly, was exacerbated by heat and humidity, making tonight's expected temperature of over 100 degrees that much more daunting.
The weather won't be the only challenge -- there is also the Texas lineup. The Rangers lead the league in runs scored and on-base percentage and are tied for third in home runs. Slugger Josh Hamilton is tied for second in home runs after his long ball in Monday's 8-2 Tigers victory.
The Rangers will put their own rookie on the hill: Yu Darvish. Darvish, 9-4 with a 3.45 ERA, has won two straight games and on the season has 96 strikeouts in 88.2 innings.
First pitch is schedule for 8:05 Eastern.
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