Detroit Tigers at Houston Astros Game 117 Preview, TV, Lineup

Detroit Tigers (56-60) at Houston Astros (63-54) — 2:10 PM ET

Minute Maid Park — Houston, TX 

TV: FSD

Radio: 97.1 The Ticket (click for affiliates)

Weather:  92 degrees, partly cloudy

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When We Last Met

The Detroit Tigers were still just two games behind the Kansas City Royals when the Houston Astros came to Comerica Park in late May, and Detroit took the first two games of the series. Houston, however, took the next two, including a 10-8 victory in which the Tigers blew a, 7-3, lead.

Since that series, only the Boston Red Sox have a worse record in the America League than the Tigers, who are 29-39 since May 26. Surprisingly, the Astros are just 34-36 since leaving Detroit at the end of May.

Houston took Game 1 of this weekend series, 5-1, on Friday behind another strong pitching performance from ace Dallas Keuchel, but Detroit answered, winning an extra-inning affair, 4-2 on Saturday night.

The season series between the two clubs is 3-3, so Sunday’s game will be the rubber matchup for not just the weekend series but season series.

Pitching Matchup

Left-hander Matt Boyd will make his third start with the Tigers and first one not against the Kansas City Royals. Boyd has allowed four runs in his 12 1/3 innings in Detroit. Overall, he has pitched well, but Boyd will likely be working on his first inning woes for the rest of the season.

Recently acquired right-handed pitcher Mike Fiers will be on the mound for Houston. He has allowed seven runs in 11 2/3 innings with the Astros. For the season, he is 5-9 with a 4.03 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 131 strikeouts in 129 2/3 frames.

As a member of the Milwaukee Brewers, Fiers pitched against the Tigers on May 18, going 5 2/3 innings and allowing two runs. Milwaukee won, 3-2. Boyd has never faced the Astros in his career.

Detroit Tigers Lineup

1. Ian Kinsler 2B
2. Jose Iglesias SS
3. Miguel Cabrera 1B
4. Victor Martinez DH
5. J.D. Martinez RF
6. Tyler Collins LF
7. Jefry Marte 3B
8. Alex Avila C
9. Anthony Gose CF

Injuries

• Kyle Lobstein — 60-day DL
• Joe Nathan – Out for the Season

Next: Fantasy Baseball: Five Hottest Second-Half AL Central Relief Pitchers