clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Tigers Vs. Rangers: Rick Porcello Faces Tough Task In Sunday's Rubber Game

The Ballpark at Arlington is normally a launching pad, but a matchup of two struggling starters and two potent lineups could mean an especially high-scoring series finale Sunday.

Porcello (9-6, 4.62 ERA) has an 8.47 ERA in four career starts against Texas, but improved in his last start against the Rangers (six innings, one run). He went 6 2/3 innings against the Yankees Tuesday and allowed just three runs.

Yu Darvish (11-8, 4.57 ERA) has a 7.04 ERA in his last six starts, but he's been successful against this potent Detroit lineup, with five runs allowed in 13 1/3 innings combined in his two victories over Detroit. The Japanese rookie's fastball command has lagged recently, meaning his array of off-speed pitches aren't as effective against selective big league hitters.

Detroit will not have to face Rangers catcher Mike Napoli, who landed on the 15-day Disabled List with a strained quadriceps.

For more on the Tigers, head over to Bless You Boys, and be sure to check out SB Nation's dedicated MLB hub.