GDT95: 7/19/13 - DET (52-42) AT KC (43-49) - 8:10 p.m. ET

Tigers: RHP Anibal Sanchez (7-6, 2.93 ERA)

Sanchez allowed five runs (four earned) on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings against the White Sox on July 11. Sanchez will be making his third start since going on the 15-day DL with shoulder stiffness when he faces the Royals.



Royals: RHP Ervin Santana (5-6, 3.37 ERA)

Santana finished the first half with his worst outing of the season, giving up eight runs on 10 hits in five innings -- the only time in his 18 starts that he failed to go at least six. His ERA jumped from 2.90 to 3.37.






Anibal, Santana seek better command after break
Tigers starter gets third start since leaving DL, opposes Royals righty

By Kathleen Gier / MLB.com | 7/17/2013 5:58 PM ET

Making his third start back from the disabled list, Anibal Sanchez will take the mound for the Tigers when they face the Royals after the All-Star break. He will be opposed by Royals right-hander Ervin Santana in the first game of their three-game series Friday.

Sanchez is 7-6 with a 2.93 ERA in 15 starts and is 1-0 in the first two games after missing three weeks with a shoulder strain.

He gave up a grand slam in his last start against the White Sox, but said he's more concerned about getting healthy.

"I think the more important thing is this is my second start back from the DL," Sanchez said after the game. "Everything is there, so I just have to work a little bit more with my command."

Santana also struggled with his command in his last start and is looking for a better outing following his shortest appearance of the season when he pitched five innings, allowing 10 hits and eight runs against the Yankees on July 11, including a four-run fifth. He escaped that inning, but gave up back-to-back singles to start the sixth, which prompted his early exit. Prior to that start, he'd pitched at least six innings in all 17 starts as a Royal, with seven or more innings in 12 games.

"If you've watched Ervin all year long, he's been a guy that goes deep into games -- six and seven innings," manager Ned Yost said after the game. "He usually finds ways to make a big pitch when he needs to. ... He got through [the fifth], and I wanted him to regroup and get us through the sixth, but once those two guys got on, I had to make the move. I know he's capable of doing it."

Santana is 5-6 with a 3.37 ERA in 18 starts this season. He's facing Detroit for the first time this season and looking for his first victory against them since June 5, 2009, when he was with the Angels. He's 6-3 in his career against the Tigers with a 3.59 ERA in 11 starts. He was 0-1 in three games last season.

As a team, the Royals hold a 3-2 advantage against the Tigers this season, splitting a two-game series in Detroit and going 2-1 at home. However, the Tigers hold an eight-game lead over the Royals in the American League Central heading into the series.

The Royals are coming off a five-game losing streak before the break, which dropped them to six games under .500. They're even at home, though, going 22-22.

They'll have their work cut out for them with the Tigers, who defeated the Rangers, 5-0, on Sunday with three solo homers, including back-to-back blasts by Victor Martinez and Jhonny Peralta in the fourth inning.

Royals: Getz, Herrera to return
The Royals plan to recall infielder Chris Getz and reliever Kelvin Herrera from Triple-A Omaha for Friday's game. The club optioned infielder Johnny Giavotella and reliever Everett Teaford to Omaha on Thursday to clear space on the active roster.

Getz has started 41 games at second base for Kansas City this year and hit .214 with a .562 OPS, but he hit .313 in 14 games for Omaha. Since his season debut for Kansas City on June 30, Giavotella was hitting .206 (7-for-34) over 10 starts at second.

Herrera has posted a 5.20 ERA and surrendered eight home runs in 27 2/3 innings with the Royals this season, but the right-hander had given up two runs over 18 innings between Double-A Northwest Arkansas and Omaha. The left-handed Teaford appeared in his only game on July 14, pitching a scoreless two-thirds of an inning.

Tigers: Martinez and Hunter hot in July
Torii Hunter and Martinez added to their already impressive July resumes with home runs against Texas on Sunday in the first and fourth innings, respectively.

Hunter, one of six players picked to represent the Tigers in the All-Star Game, is batting .411 (23-for-56) with 12 runs, four doubles, two triples, three home runs and 13 RBIs in 13 games.

Martinez is batting .393 (22-for-56) with 10 runs, six doubles, two homers and 10 RBIs in 14 games.

Worth noting
• Royals center fielder Lorenzo Cain has hit safely in his last six games, going 6-for-22.

• It's been a season-high eight games since Kansas City's last error. The previous streak lasted the first seven games of the season.

• Tigers third baseman Miguel Cabrera leads the Major Leagues with 132 hits through 94 games. Those are the most by a Tiger since Al Kaline had 136 in the first 93 games in 1955.


Kathleen Gier is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.






INJURY UPDATE:


• RHP Octavio Dotel (Right elbow inflammation, transferred from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list on June 8, 2013.)

• LHP Darin Downs (Left shoulder rotator cuff tendinitis, placed on the 15-day disabled list July 7, 2013.)

• 2B Omar Infante (Left ankle sprain, placed on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to July 4, 2013.)




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On radio

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• SAT, Jul 20:
TIGERS: (RHP Justin Verlander (10-6, 3.50 ERA)) AT
ROYALS: ((RHP Jeremy Guthrie (8-7, 4.25 ERA))
8:10  p.m. ET (FS-D / FM 97.1)


• SUN, Jul 21:
TIGERS: (RHP Doug Fister (7-5, 4.02 ERA)) AT
ROYALS: (RHP James Shields (4-6, 3.21 ERA))
2:10  p.m. ET (FS-D / FM 97.1)


• MON, Jul 22:
TIGERS: (RHP Max Scherzer (13-1, 3.19 ERA)) AT
WHITE SOX: (LHP Chris Sale (6-8, 2.85 ERA))
8:10  p.m. ET (FS-D / FM 97.1)


• TUE, Jul 23:
TIGERS: (RHP Rick Porcello (6-6, 4.80 ERA)) AT
WHITE SOX: (LHP Hector Santiago (3-5, 3.30 ERA))
8:10  p.m. ET (FS-D, MLBN / FM 97.1)

STARTING LINEUPS:

TIGERS (career numbers against Ervin Santana)

   Austin Jackson, CF (1-for-11, 2 K’s)
   Torii Hunter, RF (2-for-6, walk, K)
   Miguel Cabrera, 3B (4-for-16, HR, 2 walks, 5 K’s)
   Prince Fielder, 1B (6-for-10, 3 HR, 2 walks, K)
   Victor Martinez, DH (6-for-16, HR, walk, 2 K’s)
   Jhonny Peralta, SS (3-for-23, walk, 4 K’s)
   Andy Dirks, LF (1-for-5, walk, K)
   Alex Avila, C (1-for-4, HR, walk)
   Ramon Santiago, 2B (1-for-5, K)

P: Anibal Sanchez


ROYALS (career numbers off Sanchez)

   Alex Gordon, LF (1-for-6, walk, K)
   Eric Hosmer, 1B (5-for-18, 2 walks, 4 K’s)
   Billy Butler, DH (11-for-41, 2 walks, 7 K’s)
   Salvador Perez, C (6-for-12, 2 HR)
   Mike Moustakas, 3B (2-for-20, 6 K’s)
   Lorenzo Cain, CF (0-for-6, 2 K’s)
   David Lough, RF (1-for-3, HR, K)
   Alcides Escobar, SS (7-for-24, 2 HR, 3 K’s)
   Chris Getz, 2B (4-for-11, 2 walks)

P: Ervin Santana

DET - Top 1st
B:1 S:1 O:1
Austin Jackson flies out to right fielder David Lough.

B:3 S:2 O:2
Torii Hunter flies out to center fielder Lorenzo Cain.

B:2 S:2 O:3
Miguel Cabrera flies out to right fielder David Lough.


KC - Bot 1st
B:3 S:2 O:0
Alex Gordon singles on a sharp ground ball to right fielder Torii Hunter, deflected by second baseman Ramon Santiago.

B:1 S:1 O:1
Eric Hosmer lines out to center fielder Austin Jackson.

With Billy Butler batting, Alex Gordon steals (6) 2nd base.

B:0 S:2 O:1
Billy Butler singles on a ground ball to center fielder Austin Jackson. Alex Gordon scores.
KC 1 - 0

B:4 S:0 O:1
Salvador Perez walks. Billy Butler to 2nd.

Coaching visit to mound.

B:0 S:0 O:3
Mike Moustakas grounds into a double play, shortstop Jhonny Peralta to second baseman Ramon Santiago to first baseman Prince Fielder. Salvador Perez out at 2nd.

KC 1 - 0 AFTER 1 INNING

DET - Top 2nd
B:3 S:2 O:1
Prince Fielder grounds out, second baseman Chris Getz to first baseman Eric Hosmer.

B:2 S:1 O:2
Victor Martinez flies out to left fielder Alex Gordon.

B:0 S:3 O:3
Jhonny Peralta strikes out swinging.


KC - Bot 2nd
B:1 S:2 O:0
Lorenzo Cain singles on a line drive to left fielder Andy Dirks.

B:0 S:0 O:1
David Lough out on a sacrifice bunt, pitcher Anibal Sanchez to first baseman Prince Fielder. Lorenzo Cain to 2nd.

B:2 S:2 O:2
Alcides Escobar grounds out to first baseman Prince Fielder. Lorenzo Cain to 3rd.

B:4 S:2 O:2
Chris Getz walks.

With Alex Gordon batting, Chris Getz steals (5) 2nd base.

B:1 S:1 O:3
Alex Gordon grounds out to first baseman Prince Fielder.

KC 1 - 0 AFTER 2 INNINGS

DET - Top 3rd
B:0 S:3 O:1
Andy Dirks strikes out swinging.

B:2 S:0 O:2
Alex Avila flies out to center fielder Lorenzo Cain.

B:1 S:3 O:3
Ramon Santiago strikes out swinging.


KC - Bot 3rd
B:2 S:2 O:1
Eric Hosmer grounds out, shortstop Jhonny Peralta to first baseman Prince Fielder.

B:1 S:3 O:2
Billy Butler strikes out swinging.

B:0 S:0 O:3
Salvador Perez flies out to center fielder Austin Jackson.

KC 1 - 0 AFTER 3 INNINGS

DET - Top 4th
B:2 S:3 O:1
Austin Jackson strikes out swinging.

B:1 S:2 O:1
Torii Hunter singles on a line drive to right fielder David Lough.

B:2 S:2 O:2
Miguel Cabrera pops out to first baseman Eric Hosmer in foul territory.

B:1 S:1 O:3
Prince Fielder grounds out, shortstop Alcides Escobar to first baseman Eric Hosmer.


KC - Bot 4th
B:4 S:2 O:0
Mike Moustakas walks.

B:0 S:2 O:1
Lorenzo Cain grounds out softly to first baseman Prince Fielder. Mike Moustakas to 2nd.

B:3 S:1 O:2
David Lough grounds out, second baseman Ramon Santiago to first baseman Prince Fielder. Mike Moustakas to 3rd.


B:0 S:3 O:3
Alcides Escobar called out on strikes.

KC 1 - 0 AFTER 4 INNINGS

DET - Top 5th
B:2 S:2 O:1
Victor Martinez flies out to center fielder Lorenzo Cain.

B:3 S:2 O:2
Jhonny Peralta grounds out softly, shortstop Alcides Escobar to first baseman Eric Hosmer.

B:2 S:0 O:2
Andy Dirks singles on a ground ball to center fielder Lorenzo Cain.

B:1 S:1 O:3
With Alex Avila batting, Andy Dirks caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Salvador Perez to shortstop Alcides Escobar.


KC - Bot 5th
B:2 S:2 O:1
Chris Getz grounds out softly, first baseman Prince Fielder to pitcher Anibal Sanchez.

B:0 S:1 O:2
Alex Gordon grounds out, pitcher Anibal Sanchez to first baseman Prince Fielder.

B:0 S:1 O:3
Eric Hosmer lines out to left fielder Andy Dirks.

KC 1 - 0 AFTER 5 INNINGS

DET - Top 6th
B:2 S:1 O:1
Alex Avila grounds out, first baseman Eric Hosmer to pitcher Ervin Santana.

B:3 S:3 O:2
Ramon Santiago strikes out swinging.

B:1 S:0 O:3
Austin Jackson grounds out, third baseman Mike Moustakas to first baseman Eric Hosmer.


KC - Bot 6th
B:1 S:1 O:0
Billy Butler singles on a line drive to left fielder Andy Dirks.

B:2 S:2 O:1
Salvador Perez flies out to left fielder Andy Dirks.

B:4 S:1 O:1
Mike Moustakas walks. Billy Butler to 2nd.

B:0 S:1 O:2
Lorenzo Cain pops out to second baseman Ramon Santiago on the infield fly rule.

With David Lough batting, wild pitch by Anibal Sanchez, Billy Butler to 3rd. Mike Moustakas to 2nd.

B:4 S:1 O:2
David Lough walks.

Coaching visit to mound.

Dropped foul pop error by catcher Alex Avila.

B:3 S:3 O:3
Alcides Escobar strikes out swinging.

KC 1 - 0 AFTER 6 INNINGS

DET - Top 7th
B:0 S:3 O:1
Torii Hunter strikes out swinging.

B:1 S:1 O:2
Miguel Cabrera flies out to center fielder Lorenzo Cain.

B:3 S:1 O:3
Prince Fielder flies out to center fielder Lorenzo Cain.


KC - Bot 7th
Pitching Change: Phil Coke replaces Anibal Sanchez.

B:1 S:3 O:1
Chris Getz strikes out swinging.

B:0 S:1 O:2
Alex Gordon grounds out to first baseman Prince Fielder.

B:1 S:0 O:2
Eric Hosmer singles on a ground ball to left fielder Andy Dirks, deflected by shortstop Jhonny Peralta.

Coaching visit to mound.

Pitching Change: Bruce Rondon replaces Phil Coke.

B:1 S:2 O:3
Billy Butler grounds out softly, second baseman Ramon Santiago to first baseman Prince Fielder.

KC 1 - 0 AFTER 7 INNINGS

DET - Top 8th
B:2 S:0 O:1
Victor Martinez lines out to second baseman Chris Getz.

B:4 S:2 O:1
Jhonny Peralta walks.

Coaching visit to mound.


Pitching Change: Kelvin Herrera replaces Ervin Santana.

B:2 S:2 O:2
Andy Dirks grounds into a force out, second baseman Chris Getz to shortstop Alcides Escobar. Jhonny Peralta out at 2nd. Andy Dirks to 1st.

B:2 S:3 O:3
Alex Avila called out on strikes.


KC - Bot 8th
B:2 S:3 O:1
Salvador Perez called out on strikes.

B:1 S:1 O:2
Mike Moustakas grounds out to first baseman Prince Fielder.

B:0 S:2 O:3
Lorenzo Cain grounds out softly, first baseman Prince Fielder to pitcher Bruce Rondon.

KC 1 - 0 AFTER 8 INNINGS

DET - Top 9th
Pitching Change: Greg Holland replaces Kelvin Herrera.

Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter Don Kelly replaces Ramon Santiago.

B:2 S:3 O:1
Don Kelly strikes out swinging.

B:2 S:2 O:2
Austin Jackson grounds out, second baseman Chris Getz to first baseman Eric Hosmer.

B:1 S:2 O:3
Torii Hunter flies out to center fielder Lorenzo Cain.


TIGERS LOSE 0-1

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W: Santana, E
L: Sanchez, An
S: Holland, G


Game Info

WP: Sanchez, An.
Pitches-strikes: Sanchez, An 101-59, Coke 8-6, Rondon, B 15-11, Santana, E 106-62, Herrera, K 10-6, Holland, G 19-14.
Groundouts-flyouts: Sanchez, An 9-2, Coke 1-0, Rondon, B 3-0, Santana, E 5-8, Herrera, K 1-0, Holland, G 1-1.
Batters faced: Sanchez, An 26, Coke 3, Rondon, B 4, Santana, E 24, Herrera, K 2, Holland, G 3.
Inherited runners-scored: Rondon, B 1-0, Herrera, K 1-0.
Umpires: HP: Kerwin Danley. 1B: Lance Barksdale. 2B: Vic Carapazza. 3B: Wally Bell.
Weather: 95 degrees, partly cloudy.
Wind: 7 mph, Out to LF.
T: 2:36.
Att: 35,000.
Venue: Kauffman Stadium.
July 19, 2013