GDT: 7/31/10 - DET (52-50) AT BOS (58-45) - 4:10 p.m. ET

Scherzer, Dice-K set to square off at Fenway

By Zach Schonbrun / MLB.com

The Tigers' midseason acquisition already looks like a hit.

Third baseman Jhonny Peralta, acquired from the Indians earlier this week, hit two home runs in his first game for Detroit, finishing 3-for-4 with three RBIs in Friday's 6-5 win over the Red Sox.

"Now that I'm traded here to Detroit, I think it's something good for me," Peralta said before the game. "It's like fresh. We'll see what I can do here."

Peralta had just seven home runs and 43 RBIs all season leading up to his Tigers premiere. He's now an extra bat in support of right-hander Max Scherzer, who could be looking for some revenge against the Red Sox.

Scherzer gave up three home runs and six runs total in five innings on May 14, his last start before being sent down to Triple-A Toledo. Since then, he is 6-4 with a 2.73 ERA.

The Red Sox have been conspicuously quiet in the days leading up to Saturday's 4 p.m. ET non-waiver Trade Deadline, and that usually means something is in the works.

Boston general manager Theo Epstein has made his mark with midseason acquisitions almost every season he has been at the helm, including big splashes in 2008, with outfielder Jason Bay, and '09, with catcher Victor Martinez.

Manager Terry Francona has tried to keep his team's focus off the incessant rumor cycle.

"All the stuff about the Trade Deadline, I haven't given it much thought, because it doesn't help," Francona said. "I know Theo is always out there doing what he thinks is in our best interest. I trust that. We're just trying to do our part."

That doesn't mean Boston won't swoop in with a last-minute splash that could alter its lineup or bullpen for the pennant race. Right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka goes for his fourth win at Fenway this season.

Red Sox: Lowell in limbo
Third baseman Mike Lowell remains in a tricky state of flux as he awaits his fate after finishing a rehab stint for Triple-A Pawtucket. Lowell has been an object of speculation for a possible trade, a move that may be the only option for the veteran infielder who has struggled to find a spot in Boston's lineup all season long.

"It's been terrible," Lowell said of his season. "I get four days to play, I did my job. It just answered the questions of what I've been saying all along. If I get consistent at-bats, I feel like I can produce."

Tigers: Damon's back hurting
Outfielder Johnny Damon was a late scratch from Friday's series opener against his former team with upper back spasms. The Tigers called up Jeff Frazier from Triple-A Toledo and he started at designated hitter in Damon's place. Damon tried taking batting practice but he was pulled shortly thereafter and is considered day-to-day.

Worth noting
Injured Red Sox outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury will play for Triple-A Pawtucket on Saturday and Sunday in a rehab assignment.

... Boston outfielder J.D. Drew was a late scratch with a tight hamstring, though he did pinch-hit in the ninth and draw an intentional walk, before being lifted for a pinch-runner.

... Tigers rookie Brendan Boesch, starting in place of Damon, batted third for the first time and went 1-for-5.




Pitching matchup

TIGERS: RHP Max Scherzer (7-8, 4.45 ERA)
Scherzer will stay on his regular four days' rest for a rematch with the Red Sox, who tagged him for three home runs in five innings May 14 in his final start before being sent to Triple-A Toledo. He's winless on the road since April 18.

RED SOX: RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka (7-3, 4.09 ERA)
Matsuzaka labored at times in his last start but got the job done, giving up a run on four hits and five walks in six innings while fanning four. He took a no-decision. Matsuzaka has started five times at Fenway in '10, going 3-2 with a 4.55 ERA.


From MLB Tigers Game Notes


INJURY UPDATE:
• 2B Carlos Guillen (right calf strain, 15-day DL on July 25),
• 3B Brandon Inge (non-displaced fracture of fifth metacarpal in left hand, 15-day DL on July 20), (OUT FOR 4-6 WEEKS)
• RHP Zach Miner (right elbow tendinitis, 60-day DL on March 26),
• OF Magglio Ordonez (right ankle fracture, 15-day DL on July 25), (OUT FOR 6-8 WEEKS)
• LHP Bobby Seay (left shoulder strain, 60-day DL on March 26),
• RHP Joel Zumaya (non-displaced fracture of the olecranon, 60-day DL on June 29).


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Up next (Probable Pitchers)


• Sunday, August 1,
TIGERS (RHP Justin Verlander (12-6, 3.74 ERA)) AT Red Sox (RHP Clay Buchholz (11-5, 2.71 ERA)), 1:35 p.m. ET (FS-D HD / AM 1270 & 97.1 FM)

• Monday, August 2,
Off Day

• Tuesday, August 3, DH GM 1
TIGERS (RHP ??? ( ERA)) VS White Sox (LHP Mark Buehrle (9-8, 4.15 ERA)), 1:05 p.m. ET (FS-D HD / AM 1270 & 97.1 FM)

• Tuesday, August 3, DH GM 2
TIGERS (RHP ??? ( ERA)) VS White Sox (?HP ??? ( ERA)), 7:05 p.m. ET (FS-D HD / AM 1270 & 97.1 FM)

STARTING LINEUPS:

The bigger concern for the Tigers today is their positional situation. Johnny Damon said coming in today that his back felt the same as yesterday, which is to say it feels terrible. He's not in the lineup, but neither is Ryan Raburn, who is in Florida today for a funeral following the passing of his grandfather. He's expected back tomorrow.

The result is that not only are the Tigers heavy on rookies, they're light on number of healthy players. Their top third of the lineup today is comprised of rookies, and their bench is down to two players, one of whom is the backup catcher Alex Avila.

"We're scrambling for a lineup today, let alone being able to protect somebody," Leyland said.

TIGERS

1. Jackson, CF
   
2. Rhymes, 2B
   
3. Boesch, RF
   
4. Cabrera, 1B
   
5. Peralta, 3B
   
6. Kelly, LF
   
7. Frazier, DH
   
8. Laird, C
   
9. Santiago, SS
   

P: Max Scherzer

RED SOX

1. Marco Scutaro, SS
   
2. J.D. Drew, RF
   
3. Kevin Youkilis, 1B
   
4. David Ortiz, DH
   
5. Victor Martinez, C
   
6. Adrian Beltre, 3B
   
7. Bill Hall, 2B
   
8. Jeremy Hermida, LF
   
9. Darnell McDonald, CF
   

P: Daisuke Matsuzaka

Inning 1
Top Half

B:0 S:3 O:1 -
Austin Jackson called out on .


B:4 S:2 O:1 -
Will Rhymes walks.


B:2 S:2 O:2 -
Brennan Boesch pops out to third baseman Adrian Beltre in foul territory.


B:1 S:0 O:2 -
Miguel Cabrera homers (26) on a fly ball to left field. Will Rhymes scores.

DET 2, BOS 0

B:0 S:2 O:3 -
Jhonny Peralta flies out to center fielder Darnell McDonald.

DET 2, BOS 0 after .5 inning

Bottom Half

B:2 S:3 O:1 -
Marco Scutaro out swinging.


B:4 S:1 O:1 -
J. D. Drew walks.


B:3 S:2 O:2 -
Kevin Youkilis pops out to third baseman Jhonny Peralta.


B:0 S:1 O:3 -
David Ortiz lines out to left fielder Don Kelly.

DET 2, BOS 0 after 1 inning

Inning 2
Top Half

B:1 S:2 O:1 -
Don Kelly grounds out, first baseman Kevin Youkilis to pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka.


B:2 S:2 O:1 -
Jeff Frazier singles on a line drive to center fielder Darnell McDonald.


B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Gerald Laird reaches on fielding error by third baseman Adrian Beltre. Jeff Frazier to 2nd.


B:0 S:1 O:1 -
Ramon Santiago singles on a soft fly ball to center fielder Darnell McDonald. Jeff Frazier scores. Gerald Laird to 2nd.

DET 3, BOS 0




B:0 S:3 O:2 -
Austin Jackson called out on .


B:0 S:3 O:3 -
Will Rhymes called out on .

DET 3, BOS 0 after 1.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:0 S:2 O:0 -
Victor Martinez singles on a line drive to left fielder Don Kelly.


B:3 S:2 O:2 - Adrian Beltre grounds into double play,
shortstop Ramon Santiago to second baseman Will Rhymes to first baseman
Miguel Cabrera. Victor Martinez out at 2nd.


B:2 S:1 O:3 -
Bill Hall grounds out, third baseman Jhonny Peralta to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

DET 3, BOS 0 after 2 innings

Inning 3
Top Half

B:2 S:1 O:1 -
Brennan Boesch flies out to left fielder Ryan Kalish.


B:3 S:2 O:2 -
Miguel Cabrera grounds out sharply, third baseman Adrian Beltre to first baseman Kevin Youkilis.


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


B:1 S:2 O:3 -
Don Kelly grounds out, second baseman Bill Hall to first baseman Kevin Youkilis.

DET 3, BOS 0 after 2.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:1 S:2 O:0 -
Ryan Kalish singles on a ground ball to right fielder Brennan Boesch.


B:0 S:2 O:1 -
Darnell McDonald grounds out softly, second baseman Will Rhymes to first baseman Miguel Cabrera. Ryan Kalish to 2nd.


B:3 S:2 O:1 -
Marco Scutaro singles on a fly ball to right fielder Brennan Boesch. Ryan Kalish to 3rd.


B:0 S:1 O:2 -
J. D. Drew lines out softly to shortstop Ramon Santiago.


B:3 S:2 O:3 -
Kevin Youkilis flies out to center fielder Austin Jackson.

DET 3, BOS 0 after 3 innings

Inning 4
Top Half

B:2 S:2 O:0 -
Jeff Frazier doubles (1) on a fly ball to left fielder Ryan Kalish.


B:2 S:3 O:1 -
Gerald Laird out swinging.


B:2 S:0 O:1 -
Ramon Santiago doubles (8) on a line drive to left fielder Ryan Kalish. Jeff Frazier scores.

DET 4, BOS 0




B:0 S:1 O:2 -
Austin Jackson grounds out, second baseman Bill Hall to first baseman Kevin Youkilis. Ramon Santiago to 3rd.


B:0 S:1 O:3 -
Will Rhymes lines out to left fielder Ryan Kalish.

DET 4, BOS 0 after 3.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:1 S:0 O:0 -
David Ortiz singles on a line drive to right fielder Brennan Boesch.


B:2 S:0 O:1 -
Victor Martinez flies out to left fielder Don Kelly.


B:0 S:1 O:3 - Adrian Beltre grounds into double play,
second baseman Will Rhymes to shortstop Ramon Santiago to first baseman
Miguel Cabrera. David Ortiz out at 2nd.

DET 4, BOS 0 after 4 innings

Inning 5
Top Half

B:2 S:3 O:1 -
Brennan Boesch called out on .


B:1 S:0 O:1 -
Miguel Cabrera singles on a fly ball to center fielder Darnell McDonald.


B:2 S:2 O:2 -
Jhonny Peralta pops out to third baseman Adrian Beltre.


B:1 S:1 O:3 -
Don Kelly pops out to shortstop Marco Scutaro.

DET 4, BOS 0 after 4.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:2 S:2 O:0 -
Bill Hall singles on a sharp ground ball to third baseman Jhonny Peralta.


B:2 S:2 O:2 -
Ryan Kalish grounds into double play, first baseman Miguel Cabrera to shortstop Ramon Santiago. Bill Hall out at 2nd.


B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Coaching visit to mound.


B:2 S:3 O:3 -
Darnell McDonald out swinging.

DET 4, BOS 0 after 5 innings

Inning 6
Top Half

B:2 S:1 O:1 -
Jeff Frazier grounds out, shortstop Marco Scutaro to first baseman Kevin Youkilis.


B:0 S:1 O:2 -
Gerald Laird bunt grounds out, pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka to first baseman Kevin Youkilis.


B:1 S:1 O:3 -
Ramon Santiago flies out to left fielder Ryan Kalish.

DET 4, BOS 0 after 5.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:3 S:1 O:1 -
Marco Scutaro flies out to center fielder Austin Jackson.


B:0 S:0 O:1 -
J. D. Drew singles on a soft fly ball to right fielder Brennan Boesch.


B:1 S:2 O:1 -
Kevin Youkilis doubles (26) on a fly ball to center fielder Austin Jackson. J. D. Drew to 3rd.


B:1 S:3 O:2 -
David Ortiz out swinging.


B:1 S:0 O:3 -
Victor Martinez flies out to center fielder Austin Jackson.

DET 4, BOS 0 after 6 innings

Inning 7
Top Half

B:1 S:2 O:0 -
Austin Jackson doubles (26) on a ground ball to left fielder Ryan Kalish.


B:1 S:2 O:0 -
Coaching visit to mound.


B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Pitcher Change: Dustin Richardson replaces Daisuke Matsuzaka.


B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Will Rhymes out on a sacrifice bunt, third baseman Adrian Beltre to second baseman Bill Hall. Austin Jackson to 3rd.


B:1 S:3 O:2 -
Brennan Boesch out swinging.


B:4 S:0 O:2 -
Dustin Richardson intentionally walks Miguel Cabrera.


B:4 S:0 O:2 -
Coaching visit to mound.


B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Pitcher Change: Scott Atchison replaces Dustin Richardson.


B:1 S:0 O:3 -
Jhonny Peralta flies out to right fielder J. D. Drew.

DET 4, BOS 0 after 6.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:3 S:2 O:0 -
Adrian Beltre singles on a soft ground ball to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.


B:3 S:2 O:0 -
Coaching visit to mound.


B:2 S:2 O:1 - Bill Hall singles on a sharp line drive
to left fielder Don Kelly. Adrian Beltre to 3rd. Bill Hall out at 2nd,
left fielder Don Kelly to second baseman Will Rhymes.


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


B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Pitcher Change: Brad Thomas replaces Max Scherzer.


B:3 S:1 O:1 -
Ryan Kalish singles on a fly ball to right fielder Brennan Boesch. Adrian Beltre scores.

DET 4, BOS 1




B:3 S:1 O:1 -
Coaching visit to mound.


B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Pitcher Change: Ryan Perry replaces Brad Thomas.


B:1 S:0 O:1 -
Darnell McDonald doubles (13) on a line drive to left fielder Don Kelly. Ryan Kalish scores.

DET 4, BOS 2
B:1 S:1 O:2 -
Marco Scutaro flies out to right fielder Brennan Boesch.


B:4 S:0 O:2 -
J. D. Drew walks.


B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Offensive Substitution: Pinch runner Eric Patterson replaces J. D. Drew.


B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Coaching visit to mound.


B:1 S:0 O:2 -
Kevin Youkilis hit by pitch. Darnell McDonald to 3rd. Eric Patterson to 2nd.


B:1 S:0 O:2 -
Injury Delay.


B:2 S:3 O:3 -
David Ortiz out swinging.

DET 4, BOS 2 after 7 innings

Inning 8
Top Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Eric Patterson remains in the game as the center fielder.


B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Defensive switch from center field to right field for Darnell McDonald.


B:3 S:2 O:1 -
Don Kelly flies out to left fielder Ryan Kalish.


B:1 S:1 O:2 -
Jeff Frazier grounds out, shortstop Marco Scutaro to first baseman Kevin Youkilis.


B:1 S:3 O:3 -
Gerald Laird out swinging.

DET 4, BOS 2 after 7.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:0 S:1 O:0 -
Victor Martinez singles on a fly ball to left fielder Don Kelly.


B:2 S:2 O:1 - Adrian Beltre grounds into a force out,
right fielder Brennan Boesch to second baseman Will Rhymes to shortstop
Ramon Santiago. Victor Martinez out at 2nd. Adrian Beltre to 1st.


B:3 S:2 O:2 -
Bill Hall lines out to left fielder Don Kelly.


B:1 S:3 O:3 -
Ryan Kalish out swinging.

DET 4, BOS 2 after 8 innings

Inning 9
Top Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Pitcher Change: Hideki Okajima replaces Scott Atchison.


B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Ramon Santiago pops out to first baseman Kevin Youkilis.


B:2 S:2 O:2 -
Austin Jackson grounds out, third baseman Adrian Beltre to first baseman Kevin Youkilis.


B:0 S:0 O:3 -
Will Rhymes bunt grounds out to first baseman Kevin Youkilis.

DET 4, BOS 2 after 8.5 innings

Bottom Half

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


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


B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Pitcher Change: Phil Coke replaces Ryan Perry.


B:3 S:2 O:1 -
Marco Scutaro flies out to left fielder Don Kelly.


B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Jed Lowrie replaces Eric Patterson.


B:3 S:2 O:1 -
Jed Lowrie doubles (4) on a fly ball to center fielder Austin Jackson. Darnell McDonald to 3rd.


B:4 S:0 O:1 -
Phil Coke intentionally walks Kevin Youkilis.


B:4 S:0 O:1 -
Coaching visit to mound.


B:2 S:1 O:1 - David Ortiz doubles (22) on a line drive
to left fielder Don Kelly. Darnell McDonald scores. Jed Lowrie scores.
Kevin Youkilis scores.

BOS 5, DET 4 final box score > click here <