Detroit @ Boston preview
Fenway Park
Last Meeting ( Jul 30, 2012 ) Detroit 3, Boston 7
Justin Verlander seeks to rebound from a shaky outing as the Detroit Tigers visit the Boston Red Sox in Tuesday’s second contest of a three-game series. Verlander allowed five runs in seven innings while losing to the Cleveland Indians in his last appearance, matching the season-high five runs he allowed while losing to the Red Sox on May 29. The Tigers have lost five of seven while the Red Sox have won three consecutive contests.
Boston starter Josh Beckett has been the subject of trade rumors during the midst of a highly disappointing campaign. He hasn’t fared well against Detroit this season, allowing five homers and 17 hits in just 11 2/3 innings while losing twice. Detroit’s Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder each have hit two homers off Beckett this season. Dustin Pedroia and rookie Will Middlebrooks each homered in the series opener won by Boston, which has won eight of its last nine home meetings against the Tigers.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Detroit, New England Sports Network (Boston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Justin Verlander (11-6, 2.60 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH Josh Beckett (5-9, 4.57)
Verlander’s first outing of the season against the Red Sox was superior to his second – he blanked Boston on two hits over eight innings back on April 5. He had allowed just three runs in three July starts before the outing against the Indians. Verlander is 3-3 with a 3.22 ERA in nine career starts against Boston.
Beckett is just 1-5 over his last eight starts. He lost to the Texas Rangers in his last outing when allowed four runs and nine hits in seven innings. Beckett has an 8.49 ERA against the Tigers this season. He is 3-4 with a 3.86 ERA in eight career starts against Detroit.
WALK-OFFS
1. Red Sox INF Mike Aviles has missed two straight games with turf toe issues.
2. Fielder has three homers in just eight career at-bats against Beckett.
3. Boston OF Ryan Sweeney left Monday’s game in the ninth inning and said afterward that he punched a door. He will have X-rays Tuesday on his throwing hand.