:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/1113239/152636366.0.jpg)
Eager to lock up a spot in the ALCS on Wednesday night, the Detroit Tigers will send right-hander Max Scherzer to the mound for a crucial Game 4 with the Oakland Athletics.
The 28-year-old Scherzer ranked second in the majors in strikeouts this season with 231, but has only pitched once since Sept. 24 due to shoulder and ankle injuries. Though he tossed four shutout innings in a tune-up start right before the playoffs, Scherzer's stamina (he pitched eight innings only three times in 2012) could be an issue for Jim Leyland on Wednesday night.
Set to face Oakland's young right-hander A.J. Griffin, Detroit will hope that a pair of speedsters atop its lineup in both Austin Jackson and Quintin Berry will be able to get on base early and often. Lefty Andy Dirks will also return to the order and bat sixth, while Omar Infante will shift to ninth after hitting in the No. 2 hole in Tuesday's game.
Here are the starting lineups for Game 4:
Tigers
1. Austin Jackson (R) CF
2. Quintin Berry (L) LF
3. Miguel Cabrera (R) 3B
4. Prince Fielder (L) 1B
5. Delmon Young (R) DH
6. Andy Dirks (L) RF
7. Jhonny Peralta (R) SS
8. Alex Avila (L) C
9. Omar Infante (R) 2B
Max Scherzer (R) SP
Athletics
1. Coco Crisp (S) CF
2. Stephen Drew (L) SS
3. Yoenis Cespedes (R) LF
4. Brandon Moss (L) 1B
5. Josh Reddick (L) RF
6. Josh Donaldson (R) 3B
7. Seth Smith (L) DH
8. Derek Norris (R) C
9. Cliff Pennington (S) 2B
A.J. Griffin (R) SP