Detroit @ Toronto preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 27, 2012 ) Detroit 3, Toronto 8

The Detroit Tigers are one of a handful of teams to make their mark ahead of Tuesday's non-waiver trade deadline. They'll get their first look at their newest arrival Saturday as Anibal Sanchez takes the hill in the second game of a three-game series in Toronto. Sanchez was acquired from the Miami Marlins earlier this week as the Tigers take aim at unseating the Chicago White Sox atop the American League Central. That goal took a hit Friday as Detroit dropped the series opener 8-3.

Toronto reportedly considered making a splash of its own, but was unwilling to pay the price required to nab Zack Greinke from the Milwaukee Brewers. The Blue Jays appear content to proceed with the pitching staff they have, which includes Saturday starter Henderson Alvarez. The second-year right-hander has been inconsistent for the majority of the season, but is one of the few Toronto starters at full health as the Blue Jays look to remain in the hunt for one of the wild-card spots.

TV: 1:07 p.m. ET, FSD (Detroit), RSN-1 (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Anibal Sanchez (NR) vs. Blue Jays RH Henderson Alvarez (6-7, 4.61 ERA)

Sanchez has been a top-flight pitcher for the past 2 1/2 seasons. The 28-year-old went 5-7 with a 3.94 ERA in 19 starts with the Marlins, who received 21-year-old pitching prospect Jacob Turner and two minor leaguers in exchange for Sanchez and infielder Omar Infante. Sanchez expressed gratitude to the Marlins for the opportunity, but added that he's looking forward to pitching for a team fighting for a playoff spot. ''It's a new era for me, a new opportunity for a new team,'' he said.

Alvarez showed plenty of promise in his 2011 audition but has regressed somewhat in his first full campaign. The 22-year-old has allowed four runs or more in nine of his last 12 starts, including last time out when he earned the victory in Boston despite being tagged for seven runs in just 5 2/3 innings. Armed with one of the lowest strikeout rates in baseball, Alvarez has had his share of struggles on the road, going 2-6 with a 4.74 ERA in 10 starts. This marks his first appearance against Detroit.

WALK-OFFS

1. Sanchez faced the Blue Jays once while with the Marlins - and it was a game he'd rather forget, as he was torched for six runs over 3 1/3 innings.

2. Tigers 3B Miguel Cabrera has four home runs and six RBIs in his last five games.

3. Alvarez has surrendered 20 home runs in his 19 starts, tops on the Blue Jays and tied for fifth-most in the American League.