Detroit Tigers vs Toronto Blue Jays Game 81: Preview, TV, Lineup

Detroit Tigers (41-39) at Toronto Blue Jays (42-41) — 1:08 PM ET

Comerica Park — Detroit, MI

TV: FSD, MLB Network

Radio: 97.1 The Ticket (click for affiliates)

Weather:  82 degrees, sunny

More from Motor City Bengals

• Detroit Tigers: Victor Reyes finding ways to get the job done
• The Detroit Tigers must cut their losses and release Jonathan Schoop
• Detroit Tigers: Garrett Hill’s new role and changed delivery are excellent
• Detroit Tigers: Joe Jiménez has rebounded in 2022
• Detroit Tigers: Is it finally time to move the fences in at Comerica Park?

When We Last Met

The Detroit Tigers began their temporary Miguel Cabrera-less era by jumping out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning on Independence Day and cruised to an 8-3 victory behind another sharp outing from David Price. The Tigers will be looking for their first home sweep since winning all the games against Minnesota to start the season and first sweep overall since the second series of the year in Cleveland.

Pitching Matchup

Justin Verlander (0-1, 5.09) is still looking for his first victory of the season and will try for a completely solid effort from beginning to end when he takes the mound on Sunday afternoon. His last start began rocky when he allowed three runs in the first three innings, walking four batters along the way and pushing up his pitch count. He did, however, recover nicely and kept the Pittsburgh Pirates’ bats in check long enough for the Tigers to tie the game and push it deep into extra innings before losing.

Verlander threw his second career no-hitter against the Blue Jays in 2011 but got rocked against them in his one start last season.

Marco Estrada (5-4, 3.58) has been fairly reliable for Toronto this season, usually the recipient of a lot of run support except for his last two outings (0-1) when he shutout the Tampa Bay Rays and earned a no-decision and then allowed just two runs to the Boston Red Sox and took the loss. A longtime Milwaukee Brewer prior to this season, Estrada began his career with the Washington Nationals and will be facing the Detroit Tigers for the first time in his career.

Detroit Tigers Lineup

1. Ian Kinsler-2B
2. Yoenis Cespedes-LF
3. Victor Martinez-DH
4. J.D. Martinez-RF
5. Alex Avila-1B
6. Nick Castellanos-3B
7. James McCann-C
8. Anthony Gose-CF
9. Jose Iglesias-SS

Injuries

• Miguel Cabrera — 15-day DL
• Kyle Lobstein — 15-day DL
• Joe Nathan – Out for the Season

Next: Still hope left despite Miggy's injury