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Fresh off a three-game sweep of the Toronto Blue Jays, the Detroit Tigers open a weekend series at home tonight against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim hoping to inch closer to first place in the AL Central.
The Tigers now trail the Chicago White Sox, who have also won three straight and play Seattle this weekend, by 1.5 games. The Tigers open the series starting Rick Porcello (9-8, 4.67 ERA) against Zack Greinke (10-5, 4.01 ERA). Greinke is 1-2 with a 6.19 ERA since the Angels acquired him in a trade last month. He has pitched well in his career against the Tigers, however, with an 11-6 record and 2.84 ERA in 25 career appearances.
Porcello gave up five runs in 5.2 innings in a no-decision against the Angels in July, a game the Tigers ultimately won. He has lost his last two starts.
The Tigers come into the series with injury concerns. Third baseman and MVP candidate Miguel Cabrera left Thursday's game with an ankle injury and his day-to-day. Pitcher Doug Fister, who was originally scheduled to start Saturday's game, will skip his turn due to a groin injury. Drew Smyly will start in his place.
Check out Bless You Boys for more Tigers coverage, for more Angels coverage visit Halos Heaven and be sure to visit Baseball Nation for more news and analysis from around the league.