Friday, September 19, 2014

Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City

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Veteran right-hander Justin Verlander (13-12), who has a 6.05 ERA in his last three outings, will get the start for the Detroit Tigers when they go up against veteran left-hander Jason Vargas (11-9) and the Kansas City Royals on Friday night.

Justin Verlander gave up three runs in 5.2 innings of work against the Cleveland Indians on Sunday and ended up with a no decision. He allowed six hits in that outing and walked three batters while striking out six. Verlander has a 4.81 ERA this season and he has given up 209 hits in 190.2 innings of work.

Royals designated hitter Billy Butler has a .415 batting average in 82 at-bats against Verlander with five doubles, two home runs and 15 RBI in his career. Mike Moustakas is just 8-for-47 against him with a walk and nine strikeouts.

On Sunday, Jason Vargas lost his second game in a row when he was defeated by the Boston Red Sox at home. He went 5.1 innings in that loss and gave up five runs on four base hits while striking out eight batters and walking one. Vargas now has a 3.41 ERA on the season and he has only walked 1.9 batters per nine innings.

Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler is 17-for-56 against Vargas in his career with six doubles, two home runs and five RBI. Nick Castellanos has just one hit in 12 at-bats against the left-hander with a solo home run and four strikeouts.

Injuries to Watch

Detroit Tigers

09/17/14 C Alex Avila Head "?" Friday vs Kansas City Royals
09/02/14 P Drew VerHagen Back 60-day DL (7/15)
08/10/14 P Anibal Sanchez Pectoral 15-day DL (8/9)
06/25/14 P Luke Putkonen Elbow 60-day DL (4/19)
05/02/14 P Joel Hanrahan Elbow 60-day DL (5/2)
03/28/14 LF Andy Dirks Back 60-day DL (3/29)
03/28/14 P Bruce Rondon Elbow 60-day DL (3/29), out for season
03/27/14 SS Jose Iglesias Stress Fracture 60-day DL (3/29); out for season

Kansas City Royals

09/03/14 2B Christian Colon Finger 15-day DL
08/14/14 P Scott Downs Neck 15-day DL (8/3)
03/30/14 P Luke Hochevar Elbow 60-day DL (3/21)

Tony's Pick: Take Detroit

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