After giving up 17 runs in the first two games of their series with the Seattle Mariners, the Detroit Tigers try to salvage one win before traveling to Cleveland for the weekend.
The Tigers get their first look at rookie Michael Pineda, who starts for Seattle. Pineda has been impressive for the M’s, winning his last three starts and compiling a 3-1 overall record with 1.78 ERA. He’s struck out 21 batters in 25 1/3 innings.
Brad Penny takes the mound for Detroit, looking to follow up on his best start of the season thus far. Against the White Sox last Saturday, Penny gave up only one hit in seven innings for his first win as a Tiger. Maybe he can figure out a way to shut down Justin Smoak, who hit a home run in the first two games of this series.
Brandon Inge and Jhonny Peralta are getting the day off in the infield. And Jim Leyland may have finally seen enough of Will Rhymes and his .185 average in the No. 2 spot, as he’ll be batting ninth on Thursday.
Here are the starting lineups:
Seattle Mariners
1. Ichiro Suzuki, RF
2. Chone Figgins, 3B
3. Milton Bradley, LF
4. Miguel Olivo, C
5. Justin Smoak, 1B
6. Adam Kennedy, DH
7. Luis Rodriguez, SS
8. Michael Saunders, CF
9. Jack Wilson, 2B
Detroit Tigers
1. Austin Jackson, CF
2. Ramon Santiago, SS
3. Magglio Ordonez, DH
4. Miguel Cabrera, 1B
5. Brennan Boesch, RF
6. Ryan Raburn, LF
7. Alex Avila, C
8. Don Kelly, 3B
9. Will Rhymes, 2B