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The Detroit Tigers will head to Minnesota on Friday with a two-game lead in the American League Central. They'll be scheduled for three games against a Twins team that is just 65-91 on the season as the Tigers hope to increase their divisional lead over the Chicago White Sox.
On the mound for Detroit on Friday will left-hander Drew Smyly. Smyly has compiled a 4-3 record with a 4.34 ERA this season, but Friday will be only his second start since the beginning of July. He threw a solid 4 1/3 innings of three hit ball when called to make a spot start on Sunday.
Smyly is starting in place of the injured Max Scherzer, as the Tigers' right-hander is still struggling with a shoulder injury. At the moment, there is no timetable for Scherzer's return.
Scott Diamond will be on the mound opposite Smyly, and the Twins' lefty sports a 12-8 record on the season with a 3.64 ERA. Diamond has been struggling recently though, as that ERA stands at 4.90 over the course of his last ten starts.
First pitch from Minnesota is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. ET, and the game will be televised on FOX Sports Detroit. Radio coverage of the game will be carried by 97.1 the Ticket.