Game Of The Week: Tigers At Twins Preview 2:10PM ET

The Detroit Tigers (44-43) seemed to have gotten back into the swing of things last week and were still in contention to for a second half AL Central surge and a chance at winning their division. But, now they are down two games and losing the final series before the All-Star break to their division foe the Minnesota Twins (48-40) as they take the field on Sunday afternoon at Target Field.

Series Recap:

After a promising performance by RHP Justin Verlander on Friday night, the Twins and Brian Dozier were able to spoil it with a late rally three run homer for a 8-6 win in the bottom of the ninth. Verlander went seven and two-thirds innings allowing just one run on five hits while striking out six batters on 116 pitches. RHP Bruce Rondon and RHP Joakim Soria were responsible for the seven run  rally  and were charged with the blown save and loss.

On Sunday afternoon RHP Alfredo Simon (8-6, 4.53) took the start against the Twins’ RHP Phil Hughes (8-6, 4.32) and his recent struggles continued as he allowed seven runs on ten hits in just two and one third innings with just one strikeout. In the top of the fourth the Tigers were finally able to get on the board first with a solo homerun by Victor Martinez and then a two run single by catcher James McCann. A RBI double by Yoenis Cespedes in the top of the fifth gave Detroit another run but it wasn’t enough to catch up. Recently recalled Buck Farmer pitched the following three and one third innings after Simon allowing two more runs on five hits while striking out four batters. Hughes pitched five innings allowing eight hits and four runs; striking out three. With a final score of 9-5 the Twins picked up their second victory against the Tigers.

The Matchup:

Detroit Tigers:

The Tigers will send right-hander Shane Greene (5.82, 4-6)  to the mound on Sunday afternoon as they look to avoid the sweep by the Twins. Greene had a promising start to the 2015 season and then struggled throughout the month of May which led the Tigers sending him to Triple-A Toledo to work on his slider and changeup. In the month he spent in Toledo he had a great first start which should have earned him the win but landed him a no-decision, since then he’s had a 3.42 ERA and his last start against the Columbus Clippers on Wednesday he allowed just one hit.. The Tigers will now look to see if the 26 year old can rebound and continue with his early season success.

Minnesota Twins:

RHP Kyle Gibson (3.04, 7-6) will try and help the Twins complete the sweep of their division mate as he takes the mound on Sunday afternoon. Although his season record is just one game above .500 he currently has a 1.74 ERA and a 3-0 record in his last three starts. He has struggled against Tigers’ starters Yoenis Cespedes, Ian Kinsler and J. D. Martinez, all who are swinging the bat quite well lately.

Probable Lineups:

Detroit Tigers:

Ian Kinsler 2B

Yoenis Cespedes LF

Victor Martinez DH

J.D. Martinez RF

Alex Avila C

Nick Castellanos 3B

Marc Krauss 1B

Jose Iglesias SS

Rajai Davis  CF

 

Minnesota Twins:

Brian Dozier 2B

Torii Hunter RF

Joe Mauer 1B

Miguel Sano DH

Trevor Plouffe 3B

Eddie Rosario LF

Aaron Hicks CF

Kurt Suzuki C

Danny Santana SS