Detroit Tigers (29-30) vs. Boston Red Sox (32-27)
Game 1
Jordan Zimmermann (5-4, 5.98 ERA) vs. Brian Johnson (2-0, 2.57)
Friday, June 9 @ 7:10 EST
TV: Fox Sports Detroit & MLB Network (Out of Market only) | Radio: 97.1 The Ticket
The Tigers send Jordan Zimmermann to the mound hoping he can build off his magnificent start last Saturday against the White Sox. Zim went six innings of one-run baseball, striking out five on his way to his fifth victory of the season. The key for Zimmermann was the discovery of his slider that he's sorely missed all season. He used it 36% of the time in his previous start and it will be a key on Friday.
The Red Sox counter with call-up Brian Johnson. Johnson has made two starts for the Sox this year, one was really bad against the Blue Jays and the other was a complete game shutout of the Mariners. The lefty brings a four-pitch mix — cutter, fastball, slider, and change-up. He offers a mid-90s fastball and does get swings and misses with it, occasionally.
Game 2
TBD vs. TBD
Saturday, June 10 @ 7:15 EST
TV: Fox | Radio: 97.1 The Ticket
The pitching matchup for Game 2 has not been set by either team, but there are some assumptions that can be made. First, the Tigers are waiting to see how Justin Verlander feels after a bullpen session and they will make their decision from there. If Verlander cannot go look for someone like Warwick Saupold to get the start or even a call-up in the form of Drew VerHagen, who has been performing quite well in Triple-A.
This is most likely the game that the Red Sox role with Chris Sale as he last pitched in a 7-3 victory over the Baltimore Orioles last Sunday. Sale is 8-8 versus the Tigers in his career, but regardless of those numbers if they Tigers draw Sale they'll need to be on their A-game against the game's strikeout leader.
Game 3
TBD vs. TBD
Friday, June, 9 @ 8:05 EST
TV: ESPN | Radio: 97.1 The Ticket
Again the pitching matchups for the Sunday Night matchup have not been set. However, the Tigers could use Daniel Norris, Verlander (if healthy), or Saupold if need be. The good news for the Tigers is that they should miss Rick Porcello and David Price this series as both pitched on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively. However, the most likely draw for the Tigers that night is Drew Pomeranz who pitched the Sox to a 5-4 victory over the Yankees on Tuesday night. Whatever the outcome, the Tigers will have the opportunity on ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball to make a statement.
