Detroit Tigers V LA Dodgers Series Preview

Jul 2, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher

(35) pitches in the first inning against the Oakland Athletics at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

It is just a two game inter-league series just before the all-star break not very important right?

Wrong!

The series against the next two games against the surging Dodgers are an important test against one of the National Leagues hottest teams.

This Dodgers team is not the one that started a lackluster 29-27 dropping to as many as 5 games behind the San Fransisco Giants.  They are the team that has battled back to take first place and improve their record to 11 games above .500.

In fact the Dodgers have had a similar season the Tigers.  They had very high expectations before the season and went through a prolonged period of time where they failed to live up to those expectations. Now the Dodgers are surging having won 11 of their last 15 games.  However their recent hot play could begin to cool after having to deal with an injury to star player Hanley Ramirez.

The Tigers have returned to winning that characterized the beginning of the season but the recent series loss to Tampa Bay is a reminder that there are still holes to fill. So these two games are vital to a couple of teams looking to sustain their dominant play as of late.

Players To Watch

The series opens with a strong pitching match-up as Justin Verlander takes to the mound against Hyun-Jin Ryu.  Verlander has been better as of late but has yet to return to his CY Young form.  It is vital that Justin Verlander has an improved second half in order the for Tigers to have a dominant  man playoff rotation.

Victor Martinez hasn’t played since Friday.  The Tigers DH is battling back soreness and could be shut-down through the All-Star break.  That could leave a gaping hole in the line-up behind Miguel Cabrera.

Hanley Ramirez is battling injuries himself but looks like he could spend some time at DH while playing in an American League Park.

Probable Pitchers and Game Information

Tuesday July 8th, 2014

• Where: Comerica Park, Detroit
• Start Time: 7:00 pm
• TV: MLB Network

Probable Pitchers Tigers- Justin Verlander  vs Dodgers- Jyun-Jin Ryn

Wednesday July 9th, 2014

• Where: Comerica Park Detroit
• Start Time: 1:08 pm
• TV: Fox Sports Detroit

Probable Pitchers: Tigers- Max Scherzer   vs Dodgers-  Zack Greinke