DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers (31-22) will return to action on Tuesday after a much-needed day off that followed a stretch of just four wins in 14 games. Detroit sat atop the American League standings before that stretch, but is now chasing the leaders from the AL East and AL West divisions.
One of the teams that raced past the Tigers in the last week is the red-hot Toronto Blue Jays (34-24). Toronto is heading in the opposite direction of Detroit, having won 11 of its last 13 games.
Recommended Videos
TV: 7:08 p.m. ET, SNET, TVA Sports (Toronto), FSN Detroit
Detroit will turn to its most consistent starting pitcher to kick off a six-game home stand, as Anibal Sanchez looks for his third win of the season.
Sanchez dominated during May, posting a 1.77 ERA and 2-0 record in three starts after coming off the disabled list.
The Blue Jays own a strong track record against Sanchez, hitting a career .343 as a team. Melky Cabrera leads the pack with a .556 batting average (10/18) against the right-hander, with all 10 hits being singles.
Toronto will counter with 23-year-old Drew Hutchison. Hutchison is hoping to bounce back from allowing five runs in five innings last Monday. The only Tiger to face the youngster is Ian Kinsler, who has a double in four at-bats against him.
Detroit will play three games against Toronto before finishing the home stand against Boston.