Toronto Blue Jays at Detroit Tigers Series Preview

Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder Torii Hunter (48) will lead the Detroit Tigers line-up against the Blue Jays Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

On Tuesday April 9th the Toronto Blue Jays fly into the Motor City for a three game series against our Detroit Tigers. Toronto was the most active team in the off-season pulling a number of blockbuster deals and completely remaking their team in hopes of competing in the tough AL East.  In one trade the Jays received three players in their current starting line-up. Only one starting pitcher (Brandon Morrow) remains from the 2012 team. The other starting pitchers were obtained by trade.

After all of the off-season moves, the Blue Jays are off to a slow start. The slow start can be attributed to the ankle injury to power hitter Jose Bautista and the struggles of 2012 NL Cy Young Award winner R.A. Dickey. Jose Bautista will return to the Jays line-up on Tuesday after missing 3 consecutive games due to a twisted ankle. The Tigers will miss knuckleballer R.A. Dickey on this home stand.

The Detroit Tigers take the momentum from taking 2 of 3 from the Yankees over the weekend.  No injury concerns for the Tigers this series but questions remain about the closer role. On Sunday, Jaoquin Benoit pitched the ninth inning of a Yankees blow-out victory leading some pundits to speculate that he has been given the closer responsibilities.

Players to Watch

Blue Jays:  Jose Bautista is he healthy and will he have his Home Run power.

Detroit Tigers: Alex Avila’s defense will be tested. The Jays have team speed to burn and will run early and often.

Series Probable Pitchers 

Tuesday 1:08 first pitch

Brandon Morrow (0-0 1.50 ERA) vs. Anibal Sanchez (5 innings 0 ER on April 3rd)

Mark Buehrle (56) has had plenty of success against the Detroit Tigers. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Wednesday 1:08 first pitch

Mark Buehrle (0-1 10.13 ERA) vs Rick Porcello ( 0-1 5.06 ERA)

Thursday 1:08 first pitch

Josh Johnson (0-0 4.50 ERA) vs. Doug Fister (1-0 5.40 ERA)

Probable Line-up for the Toronto Blue Jays

1. Jose Reyes SS

2. Melky Cabrera LF

3. Jose Bautista RF

4. Edwin Encarnacion 1B

5. Colby Rasmus CF

6. Adam Lind DH

7. J.P. Arencibia

8. Macier Izturis 3B

9. Emilo Bonifacio 2B

Probable Line-up for the Detroit Tigers

1. Austin Jackson CF

2. Torii Hunter LF

3. Miguel Cabrera 3B

4. Prince Fielder 1B

5. Victor Martinez DH

6. Andy Dirks RF

7. Jhonny Peralta SS

8. Alex Avila C

9. Omar Infante 2B