Detroit Tigers
The Tigers suffered their third loss in four games. They're now 4-7 since opening the season 19-11.
Jim Leyland is encouraged about the possibility of outfielder Austin Jackson being able to come off the disabled list on May 28 -- the first day he's eligible to return.
Mickey Lolich and Al Kaline will be among at least a dozen players of the 1968 World Series champion Tigers scheduled to take part in a reunion celebration May 25.
Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler remains out of the lineup for a second straight game after he suffered bruised ribs when he was hit by a pitch from Justin Verlander on Thursday.
Justin Verlander is in the midst of a mini-slump -- perhaps the worst of his career. But, he's healthy. And, that's what is most important to manager Jim Leyland.
Rick Porcello punched out six Friday night, shutting down a Texas Rangers offense that had only struck out a combined 264 times this season -- fourth-fewest in the majors.
Cabrera could easily be the first star, but it seemed best to go with Porcello because the margin for error was so small in a 2-1 game against such a strong offensive club.
A day after Justin Verlander flamed out in a much-anticipated showdown, Rick Porcello pulled off what Detroit's ace couldn't and shut down the red-hot Texas Rangers in the Tigers' 2-1 win Friday night.
Porcello and rookie Nick Tepesch engaged in a pitchers' duel a day after the teams combined for 14 runs in a game started by Justin Verlander and Yu Darvish.
Kinsler is 8-for-14 (.571) with two doubles, a triple and seven RBIs in his career against Porcello. Kinsler is out due to bruised ribs, apparently from his awkward slide into third base in the game Thursday night.
Crosby has struggled at Toledo this season and is 1-5 with a 5.30 ERA in eight starts for the Mud Hens. Crosby has struck out 39 in 39 innings pitched but also has walked 28 batters and has a 1.79 WHIP.
Leyland remains confident Al Alburquerque will return. But, for now, the 26-year-old needs to better his command -- a problem that was clearly visible Wednesday afternoon.
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