Sitting a mere 1.5 games out of first place in the American League Central, the Detroit Tigers will be given a golden opportunity to swap places with the division-leading Chicago Whites Sox this weekend as the two rivals begin a three-game series.
On the mound for Friday's game one, a scenario due entirely to the wise post-All-Star break shakeup by manager Jim Leyland, will be none other than Tigers ace Justin Verlander. Opposing Verlander for the White Sox is veteran right-hander Jake Peavy, who has struggled against the Tigers over three starts this year.
Despite holding a 3.12 earned-run average and 7-6 record on the season, Peavy has given up 11 earned runs over 19.2 innings pitched against Detroit so far in 2012. The Royals tattooed Peavy for six runs on 12 hits in his first start after the All-Star break back on July 14 as well, and Detroit hitters will be looking to continue the trend on Friday evening from Comerica Park.
Here are Friday's starting lineups:
Tigers
1. Austin Jackson - CF
2. Quintin Berry - LF
3. Miguel Cabrera - 3B
4. Prince Fielder - 1B
5. Delmon Young - DH
6. Brennan Boesch - RF
7. Alex Avila - C
8. Jhonny Peralta - SS
9. Ramon Santiago - 2B
Justin Verlander - SP
White Sox
1. Alejandro De Aza - CF
2. Kevin Youkilis - 3B
3. Adam Dunn - DH
4. Paul Konerko - 1B
5. Alex Rios - RF
6. A.J. Pierzynski - C
7. Dayan Viciedo - LF
8. Alexei Ramirez - SS
9. Gordon Beckham - 2B
Jake Peavy - SP
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