DEETOWNTIGERS

Detroit Tigers vs Chicago White Sox
US Cellular Field, Chicago, Illinois
Game Time 2:10 EDT
Rick Porcello (DET) 0-0, 2.57 ERA
Chris Sale (CWS) 1-0, 1.35 ERA

 Here is this afternoon's Detroit Tigers starting lineup:

 Austin Jackson CF
 Ramon Santiago 2B
 Miguel Cabrera 3B
 Prince Fielder 1B
 Delmon Young LF
 Ryan Raburn RF
 Jhonny Peralta SS
 Brandon Inge DH
 Gerald Laird C

The Tigers will wrap up their series with the White Sox this afternoon. They have lost the first two games of the series — their longest losing streak of the year. They won the first four games of the season.

The first thing you will notice about the lineup is that Brennan Boesch has the day off, so Ryan Raburn will start in right. Brandon Inge, fresh off of the disabled list, will be this afternoon’s DH. Inge was sidelined on March 30 with a groin pull.

I’m not sure why Inge was chosen to DH, especially when you consider his recent spring numbers. But it appears that Jim Leyland is giving him every opportunity to prove himself in the Tiger’s lineup. I would have preferred to see him start at second base, where his defense would be helpful. By the way, let me mention in passing, that Raburn’s numbers so far aren’t great either. He is 2-for-25 this year with six strike outs. His average is .195. That is somewhat surprising when you look back at what he did in Lakeland. He was tearing it up trying to win the starting second base position with 19 RBI’s and six home runs.

For radio listeners of Tiger’s games, Dan Dickerson’s side kick, Jim Price will take the several days off from the broadcast. Citing “general health concerns” he is traveling back to Detroit to rest. He will rejoin the team next week. According to MLB writer Jason Beck, Price who is down about 40 pounds underwent chemotherapy treatments during the off-season. The Tigers first road trip has essentially worn him out.

I’m sure you will join me in wishing him a speedy recovery.

Former Tiger’s pitcher, Dan Petry, will join the Tigers tomorrow in Kansas City, alongside Dickerson, in the broadcast booth.

And lastly, today is Jackie Robinson Day across the green fields of Major League Baseball. It is the day that Number 42 debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, breaking the color barrier and ending racial segregation in baseball. We celebrate his life and legacy, and take this day to honor his baseball career. All players and coaches will wear the number 42 on their jerseys in his honor.

~Skip