GDT: 5/25/10 - DET (25-19) AT SEA (16-28) - 10:10 p.m. ET

Verlander faces Fister in series opener

By Tom Singer / MLB.com

All eyes will be on Austin Jackson's swollen-shut left eye.

The Tigers' scintillating rookie outfielder sat out Sunday's game in Los Angeles the day after a harrowing beaning by Dodgers right-hander Ramon Troncoso, but could make his return to the lineup in Tuesday's series opener in Seattle.

Detroit manager Jim Leyland was thankful for a couple of things, on different levels. He was grateful the frightening pitch did not cause major damage, as confirmed by medical tests. And he appreciated an off-day on Monday, giving Jackson an extra day of rest without impacting the Tigers' lineup.

Jackson's re-entry could be made more comfortable by facing the Mariners' Doug Fister, a young right-hander with exceptional control. In 116 innings, Fister has issued a total of only 25 walks, although he has also hit four batters.

The Mariners, still searching for some offensive consistency, will try to find it against Tigers ace Justin Verlander, who is pursuing his sixth win.

After stirring for 15 runs in the opener of the Interleague series against San Diego, the Mariners were held to one run in each of the two ensuing losses. They had scored a total of 17 runs in the six games preceding that 15-run eruption.

"I'm not going to take any chances with him," Leyland had said of Jackson prior to the Sunday game. "It's for precautionary measures. We're off tomorrow, so he'll start fresh on Tuesday night in Seattle."

The Saturday incident marked the first time Jackson had been hit, and it came on his 192nd big league plate appearance. He has been the one doing the hitting, with a .337 average that has enabled him to tie for the team lead with 31 runs scored.

Jackson has had multiple hits in 18 of his first 42 games.

Finding some humor in his predicament, Jackson recounting being angry Sunday morning "because it took me a little longer to shave my head. I couldn't see the whole left side, so I didn't know if I had hair on my head or not."

Behind Verlander, the Tigers hope for a smooth transition back to American League play after salvaging the finale of their series in Los Angeles. Detroit has improved its Interleague record since 2006 to 53-22, a smashing winning percentage of .707.

Tigers: Bullpen has been sensational
Trailing Detroit heading into bullpen time? Forget it: The Tigers are 16-0 when leading after six innings. ... Considering Rick Porcello has a total of 18 Major League victories, his Interleague record is eye-popping: 4-0 in five starts, with an ERA of 2.12 ...

Mariners: Bedard on mend, Sweeney plays field
Erik Bedard's surgically repaired left shoulder will undergo another reevaluation after he complained of discomfort after playing some light catch on successive days. ... Playing first base for the first time in nearly a year, as opposed to DH-ing, didn't distract Mike Sweeney from hitting. His 1-for-2 (along with two walks) Sunday made him 13-for-30 (.433) , with five homers and 11 RBIs, in his last eight starts. ...

Worth noting
Among all batters with at least 300 plate appearances in the month, Ichiro Suzuki (.365) is the best May hitter in history. But what is truly interesting is that four of the top five in that category are all active players, the exception being Rod Carew (.340). The others are Joe Mauer (.360), Kevin Youkilis (.343) and Hunter Pence (.340).



Pitching matchup

Tigers: RHP Justin Verlander (5-2, 3.43 ERA)
The Mariners saddled Verlander with one of his two losses on the season during the Tigers' last trip to Seattle, where Verlander dropped a pitchers' duel despite seven innings of three-run ball. The Tigers are heading back to the Great Northwest, but it's a nastier Verlander coming with them, having allowed a lone run on eight hits in 15 2/3 innings over his past two outings. He's pitching to more contact these days and getting quicker, deeper outings from it. Verander has lost his past three starts against the Mariners and hasn't beaten them since 2008.

Mariners: RHP Doug Fister (3-2, 1.96 ERA)
Fister bounced back from a five-inning outing in Tampa Bay by throwing eight gutsy frames in a 3-2 loss to Toronto. The Jays got him on the ropes with three runs in the third and fourth, but he fought back and retired the final 14 batters he faced in order to notch his sixth quality start in eight tries. He also rung up a season-high five strikeouts in that contest and leads the Mariners talented pitching staff in ERA.



From MLB Tigers Press Pass

RECENT RESULTS: The Tigers knocked off the Dodgers 6-2 on Sunday afternoon at Dodger Stadium. Rick Porcello (4-4) limited Los Angeles to two runs over six innings of work to earn the win for Detroit. Magglio Ordonez singled, homered and drove in two runs for the Tigers, while Miguel Cabrera added a two-run home run. The Tigers continue a seven-game road trip with the first game of a two-game series at Seattle this evening. Following an off day on Thursday, the club opens a seven-game homestand against Oakland and Cleveland on Friday night.

WINNING OVER THE WEST: The Tigers have compiled a 32-20 record against clubs from the American League’s West Division since the start of the 2009 season. Detroit’s .615 winning percentage against the American League’s West Division is second-best among league clubs since the start of the 2009 season. The Yankees have compiled a 31-19 record, a .620 winning percentage, versus the American League’s West Division.

A SQUEEZE IN A PINCH: Adam Everett executed a squeeze bunt as a pinch-hitter in the ninth inning on Sunday afternoon against Los Angeles at Dodger Stadium. It marked the first RBI on a sacrifice bunt by a pinch-hitter since 2007, when Henry Blanco squeezed home a run for the Cubs against the Giants on August 22. Everett’s RBI on a sacrifice bunt was a first by a pinch-hitter for Jim Leyland in his 2,895-game managerial career at the major league level. (Source: Elias Sports Bureau)

ACTION JACKSON TAKES HIS SHOW ON THE ROAD: Austin Jackson has hit safely in 22 of his 23 games on the road this season, batting .364 (36x99) with seven doubles, three triples, a home run and six RBI. He is fifth among all American League players with a .364 batting average on the road this season.

PAPA GRANDE POWERS THE PEN: Jose Valverde has not allowed a run in his last 19 outings for the Tigers, tossing 18.2 scoreless innings. He is tops among all American League relievers with a .127 batting average against, while he is second with a 0.46 ERA and fourth with 11 saves.

BOESCH’S BOOST: Brennan Boesch is hitting .354 (29x82) with nine doubles, two triples, four home runs and 21 RBI over his last 22 games dating back to April 28. He is tied for second among all American League players with 15 extra-base hits during that stretch, while he is tied for fourth with 21 RBI and a .659 slugging percentage and is 10th with a .354 batting average.

DRIVING THEM IN: Brennan Boesch has collected at least one RBI in 13 of his first 25 career games with the Tigers. He is the second Tigers player since at least 1920 to collect at least one RBI in 13 of his first 25 career games. Dale Alexander collected at least one RBI in 13 of his first 25 career games in 1929.

LOOKING AT THE ROOKIE LEADERS: Austin Jackson and Brennan Boesch have both enjoyed success during their rookie campaigns. Jackson is tops among all American League rookies with 31 runs scored and 59 hits, while he is second with a .337 batting average. Boesch is leading all league rookies with a .340 batting average and 22 RBI, while he is tied for the lead with four home runs and is second with 32 hits.

BULLISH BEHAVIOR: Through the club’s first 44 games this season, Tigers relievers have compiled an 11-4 record and 2.34 ERA (146.0IP/38ER). Tigers relievers lead the American League a 2.34 ERA, while the club is tied for the lead with 11 victories and is second with 146.0 innings pitched.

EXTRA, EXTRA: The Tigers have collected at least one extra-base hit in 41 of the club’s 44 games this season. Detroit is fourth among all American League clubs with 141 extrabase hits this season. Additionally, the Tigers are third in the league with 99 doubles.

FOR STARTERS: Tigers starting pitchers have compiled a 6-5 record and 3.72 ERA (72.2IP/30ER) over the club’s last 12 games, while limiting opponents to a .239 batting aveage (64x278). Club starting pitchers have posted six quality starts during the stretch.

TIGERS-WHITE SOX GAME RESCHEDULED: The Tigers and White Sox game postponed due to rain on May 17 has been rescheduled for Tuesday, August 3 at 1:05 p.m. The game will be part of a day-night doubleheader with the night game being the regularly scheduled game at 7:05 p.m. Tickets for the game on May 17 will be honored at 1:05 p.m. on
August 3.

GUILLEN’S INJURY REHAB ASSIGNMENT WITH TOLEDO: Carlos Guillen joined Triple A Toledo to begin an injury rehabilitation assignment on Saturday. He has played in three games with the Mud Hens, hitting .222 (2x9) with three runs scored, a home run, two RBI and three walks. Guillen has been sidelined since April 23 with a left hamstring strain.

WYATT TABBED FSL PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Single A Lakeland outfielder Brent Wyatt has been selected the Florida State League Player of the Week for May 17-23. He hit .484 (15x31) with 11 runs scored, two doubles, a triple, home run and eight RBI in seven games during the week.


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Up next (Probable Pitchers)

• Wednesday, May 26
Tigers (RHP Jeremy Bonderman (2-2, 4.43 ERA)) at Mariners (LHP Jason Vargas (3-2, 3.08 ERA)), 3:40 p.m. ET (FS-D HD / 1270 & 97.1)

• Thursday, May 27: OFF DAY

• Friday, May 28
Tigers (LHP Dontrelle Willis (1-2, 4.97 ERA)) VS Athletics (To be announced ), 7:05 p.m. ET (FS-D HD / 1270 & 97.1)

STARTING LINEUPS:

To look at Austin Jackson and that left eye of his, you can't tell it was even swollen. After some ice and some walking around Seattle to get the blood moving, Jackson said most of the swelling went down last night. He passed one more concussion test this afternoon and will lead off tonight.

It's after Jackson where the lineup gets a little creative. With Miguel Cabrera back in Miami with his wife for the birth of their second daughter, Magglio is batting cleanup. Johnny Damon drops from second to third in the order, and Ramon Santiago slots into the second spot. Don Kelly is at first base and batting seventh.

TIGERS

1. Jackson, CF
   
2. Santiago, SS
   
3. Damon, DH
   
4. Ordonez, RF
   
5. Boesch, LF
   
6. Inge, 3B
   
7. Kelly, 1B
   
8. Avila, C
   
9. Worth, 2B
   

P: Justin Verlander

MARINERS

1. Ichiro, RF
   
2. Chone Figgins, 2B
   
3. Franklin Gutierrez, CF
   
4. Milton Bradley, DH
   
5. Jose Lopez, 3B
   
6. Casey Kotchman, 1B
   
7. Josh Bard, C
   
8. Josh Wilson, SS
   
9. Michael Saunders, LF
   

P: Doug Fister

Inning 1
Top Half

B:1 S:3 O:1 -
Austin Jackson called out on .


B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Ramon Santiago singles on a ground ball to shortstop Josh Wilson.


B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Johnny Damon pops out to catcher Josh Bard in foul territory.


B:2 S:1 O:2 -
Magglio Ordonez singles on a ground ball to left fielder Michael Saunders. Ramon Santiago to 2nd.

B:0 S:0 O:3 -
Brennan Boesch flies out to left fielder Michael Saunders.

0-0 after .5 inning

Bottom Half

B:1 S:0 O:1 -
Ichiro Suzuki grounds out to first baseman Don Kelly.


B:1 S:3 O:2 -
Chone Figgins swinging.


B:0 S:1 O:2 -
Franklin Gutierrez singles on a ground ball to left fielder Brennan Boesch.


B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Milton Bradley homers (3) on a fly ball to right field. Franklin Gutierrez scores.

SEA 2, DET 0


B:1 S:1 O:3 -
Jose Lopez flies out to center fielder Austin Jackson.


SEA 2, DET 0 after 1 inning

Inning 2
Top Half

B:2 S:2 O:1 -
Brandon Inge pops out to second baseman Chone Figgins.


B:2 S:2 O:1 -
Don Kelly singles on a ground ball to right fielder Ichiro Suzuki, deflected by first baseman Casey Kotchman.


B:1 S:0 O:1 - Alex Avila singles on a ground ball to
left fielder Michael Saunders, deflected by shortstop Josh Wilson. Don
Kelly to 3rd.


B:2 S:1 O:1 -
Danny Worth singles on a ground ball to right fielder Ichiro Suzuki. Don Kelly scores. Alex Avila to 3rd.

SEA 2, DET 1





B:0 S:1 O:1 - Austin Jackson doubles (12) on a ground
ball to left fielder Michael Saunders, deflected by third baseman Jose
Lopez. Alex Avila scores. Danny Worth to 3rd.

DET 2, SEA 2




B:0 S:1 O:1 -
Coaching visit to mound.

B:1 S:1 O:2 -
Ramon Santiago grounds out, third baseman Jose Lopez to first baseman Casey Kotchman.

B:1 S:2 O:3 -
Johnny Damon flies out to left fielder Michael Saunders.

DET 2, SEA 2 after 1.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:3 S:2 O:1 -
Casey Kotchman flies out to right fielder Magglio Ordonez.


B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Josh Bard flies out to left fielder Brennan Boesch.


B:0 S:1 O:2 -
Josh Wilson doubles (3) on a fly ball to center fielder Austin Jackson.

B:3 S:2 O:3 -
Michael Saunders grounds out, third baseman Brandon Inge to first baseman Don Kelly.

DET 2, SEA 2 after 2 innings

Inning 3
Top Half

B:0 S:1 O:1 -
Magglio Ordonez grounds out, first baseman Casey Kotchman to pitcher Doug Fister.


B:1 S:0 O:1 -
Brennan Boesch singles on a ground ball to center fielder Franklin Gutierrez.


B:2 S:2 O:1 -
Brandon Inge singles on a line drive to left fielder Michael Saunders. Brennan Boesch to 3rd.

B:2 S:1 O:3 - Don Kelly lines into double play, second
baseman Chone Figgins to first baseman Casey Kotchman. Brandon Inge
doubled off 1st.

DET 2, SEA 2 after 2.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:1 S:3 O:1 -
Ichiro Suzuki swinging.


B:4 S:2 O:1 -
Chone Figgins walks.


B:1 S:3 O:2 -
Franklin Gutierrez on foul tip.

B:2 S:3 O:3 -
Milton Bradley swinging.

DET 2, SEA 2 after 3 innings

Inning 4
Top Half

B:3 S:2 O:1 -
Alex Avila flies out to right fielder Ichiro Suzuki.


B:0 S:1 O:2 -
Danny Worth grounds out, pitcher Doug Fister to first baseman Casey Kotchman.


B:1 S:2 O:3 -
Austin Jackson grounds out, second baseman Chone Figgins to first baseman Casey Kotchman.

DET 2, SEA 2 after 3.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:1 S:2 O:1 -
Jose Lopez grounds out, pitcher Justin Verlander to first baseman Don Kelly.


B:1 S:2 O:2 -
Casey Kotchman grounds out, third baseman Brandon Inge to first baseman Don Kelly.


B:0 S:1 O:3 -
Josh Bard pops out to third baseman Brandon Inge in foul territory.

DET 2, SEA 2 after 4 innings

Inning 5
Top Half

B:1 S:2 O:1 -
Ramon Santiago grounds out, second baseman Chone Figgins to first baseman Casey Kotchman.


B:3 S:1 O:2 -
Johnny Damon flies out to right fielder Ichiro Suzuki.


B:2 S:0 O:3 -
Magglio Ordonez grounds out, third baseman Jose Lopez to first baseman Casey Kotchman.

DET 2, SEA 2 after 4.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Josh Wilson grounds out, second baseman Danny Worth to first baseman Don Kelly.


B:2 S:3 O:2 -
Michael Saunders called out on .


B:1 S:2 O:3 -
Ichiro Suzuki grounds out, pitcher Justin Verlander to first baseman Don Kelly.

DET 2, SEA 2 after 5 innings

Inning 6
Top Half

B:1 S:1 O:1 -
Brennan Boesch grounds out, shortstop Josh Wilson to first baseman Casey Kotchman.


B:1 S:1 O:1 -
Brandon Inge homers (5) on a fly ball to left center field.

DET 3, SEA 2




B:1 S:1 O:2 -
Don Kelly flies out to center fielder Franklin Gutierrez.


B:2 S:2 O:2 -
Alex Avila singles on a ground ball to right fielder Ichiro Suzuki.


B:0 S:1 O:3 -
Danny Worth grounds into a force out, shortstop Josh Wilson to second baseman Chone Figgins. Alex Avila out at 2nd.

DET 3, SEA 2 after 5.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:1 S:3 O:1 -
Chone Figgins swinging.

B:1 S:1 O:1 -
Franklin Gutierrez homers (5) on a fly ball to right field.

DET 3, SEA 3

B:0 S:3 O:2 -
Milton Bradley called out on .

B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Jose Lopez singles on a line drive to left fielder Brennan Boesch.

B:1 S:0 O:3 -
Casey Kotchman pops out to third baseman Brandon Inge.

DET 3, SEA 3 after 6 innings

Inning 7
Top Half

B:1 S:1 O:1 -
Austin Jackson grounds out, shortstop Josh Wilson to first baseman Casey Kotchman.


B:0 S:1 O:2 -
Ramon Santiago flies out to center fielder Franklin Gutierrez.


B:2 S:1 O:3 -
Johnny Damon grounds out to first baseman Casey Kotchman.

DET 3, SEA 3 after 6.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:3 S:2 O:1 -
Josh Bard flies out to left fielder Brennan Boesch in foul territory.


B:2 S:1 O:2 -
Josh Wilson pops out to first baseman Don Kelly in foul territory.


B:0 S:0 O:3 -
Michael Saunders grounds out, second baseman Danny Worth to first baseman Don Kelly.

DET 3, SEA 3 after 7 innings

Inning 8
Top Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Pitcher Change: Shawn Kelley replaces Doug Fister.


B:4 S:2 O:0 -
Magglio Ordonez walks.


B:0 S:1 O:1 -
Brennan Boesch flies out to left fielder Michael Saunders.


B:1 S:3 O:2 -
Brandon Inge swinging.


B:1 S:0 O:3 -
Don Kelly flies out to center fielder Franklin Gutierrez.

DET 3, SEA 3 after 7.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:1 S:3 O:1 -
Ichiro Suzuki called out on .


B:2 S:2 O:1 -
Chone Figgins doubles (8) on a line drive to left fielder Brennan Boesch.


B:4 S:1 O:1 -
Franklin Gutierrez walks.


B:4 S:1 O:1 -
Coaching visit to mound.


B:2 S:2 O:1 - Milton Bradley singles on a line drive
to right fielder Magglio Ordonez. Chone Figgins scores. Franklin
Gutierrez to 3rd.

SEA 4, DET 3




B:2 S:2 O:1 -
Coaching visit to mound.




B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Pitcher Change: Joel Zumaya replaces Justin Verlander.


B:0 S:1 O:2 -
Jose Lopez out on a sacrifice fly to center fielder Austin Jackson. Franklin Gutierrez scores.

SEA 5, DET 3




B:2 S:1 O:3 -
Casey Kotchman flies out to center fielder Austin Jackson.

SEA 5, DET 3 after 8 innings

Inning 9
Top Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Pitcher Change: David Aardsma replaces Shawn Kelley.


B:2 S:2 O:1 -
Alex Avila pops out to shortstop Josh Wilson.


B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Ryan Raburn replaces Danny Worth.


B:2 S:1 O:2 -
Ryan Raburn flies out to center fielder Franklin Gutierrez.


B:1 S:3 O:3 -
Austin Jackson swinging.

SEA 5, DET 3 final box score >>