The Detroit Tigers go for their first series win of the season against the Royals Sunday. In their first two series on the road, the Tigers lost two of three to the Yankees and Orioles, respectively.
Rick Porcello makes his second start of the season for Detroit. He was roughed up by the Orioles in his debut, giving up five runs and nine hits in five innings. One interesting thing about his outing, however, is that he got fewer groundball outs, with more flyballs and strikeouts. Will that trend continue today?
Luke Hochevar gets the starting nod for the Royals. (Or should we be calling him “Hochocinco”?) As the Opening Day starter for Kansas City, he’s making his third appearance of the season. For his career, Hochocinco (let’s hope that doesn’t stick) is 2-3 versus the Tigers in seven starts with a 4.50 ERA.
Austin Jackson is in the Tigers’ lineup, despite Jim Leyland saying yesterday that he would probably get the day off because he’s pressing at the plate. So much for that. But as Jason Beck points out, Jackson’s 4-for-10 average against Hochevar may have weighed heavily in the decision.
Here are Sunday’s starters:
Detroit Tigers
1. Austin Jackson, CF
2. Will Rhymes, 2B
3. Brennan Boesch, RF
4. Miguel Cabrera 1B
5. Victor Martinez, DH
6. Ryan Raburn LF
7. Jhonny Peralta SS
8. Alex Avila, C
9. Brandon Inge 3B
Kansas City Royals
1. Chris Getz, 2B
2. Melky Cabrera, CF
3. Alex Gordon, LF
4. Billy Butler, 1B
5. Kila Ka’aihue, DH
6. Jeff Francoeur, RF
7. Wilson Betemit, 3B
8. Matt Treanor, C
9. Alcides Escobar, SS