Friday 1 July 2011

Detroit Tigers hope Justin Verlander is answer to overworked bullpen

Justin Verlander Mug.jpgJustin Verlander

DETROIT – With a day game after a night game and the New York Mets sending a right-handed pitcher to the mound, Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland is using a predominantly left-handed-hitting lineup for today's 1:05 p.m. game.

The Tigers have an overworked bullpen – every reliever except set-up man Joaquin Benoit and closer Jose Valverde has pitched at some point in the last two days – but with staff ace Justin Verlander pitching as well as anyone in baseball, there is some hope for rest in the pen today.

Verlander (10-3, 2.38) takes the mound, opposed by the Mets' Mike Pelfrey (4-6, 4.78), with an opportunity to become the first pitcher to 11 wins in the major leagues this season (the Yankees' CC Sabathia, one of four other pitchers with 10 wins, also pitches today).  Verlander will have this  lineup supporting him:

1. Austin Jackson, CF

2. Don Kelly, 3B

3. Brennan Boesch, LF

4. Miguel Cabrera, 1B

5. Victor Martinez, DH

6. Andy Dirks, RF

7. Jhonny Peralta, SS

8. Alex Avila, C

9. Ramon Santiago, 2B


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