GDT: 8/20/11 - DET (66-58) VS CLE (62-59) - 7:05 p.m. ET ---
VS ---
Detroit Tigers VS Cleveland IndiansSaturday, August 20, 2011
Comerica Park, Detroit, MI
Game Time - 7:05 p.m. EDT REMEMBERING SPARKYThe Tigers are wearing a patch on their right
sleeves this season in the shape of a home
plate emblazoned with the name SPARKY, to
honor Hall of Fame manager Sparky
Anderson who passed away on November 4,
2010. Anderson’s number 11 was retired
in a pre-game ceremony on June 26.
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Preview Tigers look to take key Central series from TribeBy Cash Kruth / MLB.com | 8/19/2011 10:51 PM ET
The Tigers took the first round of this weekend's key three-game series against the Indians on Friday, improving their division lead to 2 1/2 games.
Detroit was expected to contend for the American League Central title, while the Indians certainly weren't. But their play hasn't surprised Tigers manager Jim Leyland, who said Cleveland's success is happening because everything is finally coming together.
"They've always had offense. If you look in the pitching department, you'll find that it's been pretty impressive," Leyland said. "Their bullpen's been really good and their starting pitching has really, really held up well."
Trying to continue that trend for the Indians on Saturday is left-hander David Huff. Huff will be making his first start since Aug. 2 and has been successful this year, allowing only one earned run in 17 2/3 innings spanning three starts.
Recently-acquired Tigers outfielder Delmon Young is a .353 (6-for-17) career hitter against Huff.
Right-hander Doug Fister will try to extend Detroit's division lead in his fourth start for the Tigers. His last outing was one to forget, as he allowed eight runs (six earned) on 12 hits in 5 2/3 innings against the Orioles. He's had success against the Indians this season, posting a 2.81 ERA in three starts against them.
Indians: Duncan, Valbuena rejoin teamOutfielder Shelley Duncan and infielder Luis Valbuena were recalled from Triple-A Columbus on Friday. They replaced infielder Jason Kipnis, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a right hamstring strain, and outfielder Ezequiel Carrera, who was optioned to Columbus. Duncan is hitting .246 with 12 runs scored, eight doubles and four home runs for the Indians this season. Valbuena has hit .120 in three stints with the Indians.
• Kosuke Fukudome is hitting .321 in his last 13 games, with seven multi-hit games in that span.
Tigers: Ordonez expected to playOutfielder Magglio Ordonez will return to the lineup Saturday. He's played once since the Tigers acquired Young, going 2-for-4 on the day of the trade.
• Detroit's Sept. 4 game against the White Sox now will begin at 8:09 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN2 as part of ESPN Sunday Night Baseball.
Worth noting• The Tigers are hitting .283 in their last 16 games against the Indians.
• Cleveland's bullpen has allowed one earned run in last its last nine games (32 2/3 innings), while Detroit's 'pen has a 1.37 mark and 48 strikeouts in its last 14.
• Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera has a 16-game hitting streak, during which he's batting .388.
• Tigers catcher Alex Avila is hitting .420 with three doubles, a triple, four homers and 12 RBIs in August.
Tigers: RHP Doug Fister (4-13, 3.59 ERA)After a strong debut with the Tigers, Fister has struggled recently. He gave up eight runs, six earned, against Baltimore in his last start. He gave up two earned runs in two innings in Cleveland on Aug. 9 before a rain delay.
Indians: LHP David Huff (1-1, 0.51 ERA)Huff entered in the 14th inning of Tuesday's game against the White Sox just in time to surrender the game-winning hit. His start last Sunday was washed out by rain, so he was the next option out of the 'pen after the Tribe used all seven relievers.
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Tiger's MLB Game Notes
Game InformationRESCHEDULED GAMES: The following is the information on the rescheduled Tigers games postponed at Comerica Park this season:
-
Thursday, September 1 versus Kansas City at 1:05 p.m. (rescheduled from May 15)
INJURY UPDATE: •
INF Carlos Guillen (sore left wrist,
15-day disabled list on August 13),
•
RHP Al Alburquerque (concussion,
7-day disabled list on August 12).
•
RHP Joel Zumaya (right elbow olecranon fracture surgery,
60-day disabled list on March 30).
•
LHP Brad Thomas (left elbow inflammation,
60-day DL on May 11)
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To track MLB play-by-play, to help post GDT outcomes: http://m.mlb.com/scores/On the Internet MLB.TV Gameday Audio•
Gameday•
Official Press Pass game notesOn television •
•
Direct TV Extra Innings ScheduleOn radio•
,
•
XM Channel Schedule______________________________________
Up next (Probable Pitchers) • Sunday, August 21: Tigers (RHP
Rick Porcello (11-8, 4.98 ERA))
VS Indians (RHP
Ubaldo Jimenez (7-9, 4.48 ERA)),
1:05 p.m. ET (FS-D HD / WXYT 97.1 FM & 1270 AM)• Monday, August 22: Tigers (RHP
Justin Verlander (18-5, 2.31 ERA))
AT Rays (RHP
Jeff Niemann (8-4, 3.29 ERA)),
7:10 p.m. ET (FS-D HD / WXYT 97.1 FM & 1270 AM)• Tuesday, August 23: Tigers (RHP
Brad Penny (8-9, 4.97 ERA))
AT Rays (LHP
David Price (11-10, 3.59 ERA)),
7:10 p.m. ET (FS-D HD / WXYT 97.1 FM & 1270 AM)