You had this figured, right? The Detroit Tigers came into their four-game series against the New York Yankees on a six-game losing streak. So naturally, the Tigers could win three out of four from the Yanks if they win Thursday’s matinee at Comerica Park.
Rick Porcello takes the mound for Detroit. He’s allowed two runs or fewer in his last three starts. Perhaps even more encouraging is that he’s almost averaging a strikeout per inning during that span.
A.J. Burnett pitches for the Yankees. He beat the Tigers in his first start of the season, allowing three runs and five hits over six innings. Detroit did touch him up for nine hits, however. In three career starts at Comerica Park, Burnett has a 9.42 ERA.
As usual with a day game after a night game, plenty of regulars are getting the day off on both sides. Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez are out of the lineup for the Yankees. And for the Tigers, Austin Jackson and Alex Avila get some rest. Are you ready for Don Kelly leading off and playing center field?
Here are the starting lineups:
New York Yankees
1. Brett Gardner, LF
2. Nick Swisher, RF
3. Robinson Cano, 2B
4. Mark Teixeira, 1B
5. Curtis Granderson, CF
6. Jorge Posada, DH
7. Eric Chavez, 3B
8. Russell Martin, C
9. Eduardo Nunez, SS
Detroit Tigers
1. Don Kelly, CF
2. Scott Sizemore, 2B
3. Brennan Boesch, RF
4. Miguel Cabrera, 1B
5. Victor Martinez, C
6. Magglio Ordonez, DH
7. Ryan Raburn, LF
8. Brandon Inge, 3B
9. Ramon Santiago, SS
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