Detroit @ Cleveland preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 16, 2011 ) Cleveland 2, Detroit 6

THE STORY: The American League Central race won't be decided this week, but the Detroit Tigers could take a commanding lead in the division over the Cleveland Indians. The teams open a three-game series Tuesday night at Progressive Field. Detroit leads Cleveland by four games. The Indians swept three games at home from the Tigers in April, but the fortunes for both teams have changed drastically since then. While the Tigers are close to taking control of the division, the Indians are fighting to hang on.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN (Detroit), STO (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Doug Fister (4-12, 3.29 ERA) vs. Indians RH Justin Masterson (9-7, 2.63 ERA).

After being exiled from Seattle at the trade deadline, Fister won his first start with Detroit. He held Texas to two runs in seven innings for his first victory since May 30. Pitching for the offensively challenged Mariners, Fister was 0-1 in two starts against Cleveland this season. He has pitched well, allowing only three earned runs in 14 innings.

Masterson has emerged as Cleveland's ace and is one of the top starters in the league. He could easily have three or four additional wins if he had received any offensive support. Masterson has allowed six earned runs in 28 2/3 innings in his last four starts. He's 0-3 lifetime against the Tigers and 0-1 in two starts this season.

ABOUT THE TIGERS (61-53): Detroit manager Jim Leyland isn't sure if Victor Martinez will be in the lineup for the series opener. Martinez didn't play Sunday after spraining his left knee running the bases Saturday. Martinez has driven in 64 runs and provided much needed protection behind Miguel Cabrera. The injury to the switch-hitting catcher isn't believed to be serious. The Tigers can't afford to be without Martinez for a long period of time. The former Indian was on the disabled list with a groin injury when the Tigers played at Cleveland in April.

ABOUT THE INDIANS (56-56): Cleveland went 3-4 on a road trip to Boston and Texas. All four losses came in the opponents' last at-bat, including three walk-offs. After a 2-6 homestand, the Indians played better against two of the top teams in the league, but coming close isn't much consolation at this point. The Indians dropped another 1 1/2 games behind the Tigers during the trip. Cleveland can't afford to fall much farther behind in the standings. The Indians haven't been under .500 since April 3, when they were 1-2.

FINAL PITCH: Tigers closer Jose Valverde has converted all 32 save chances this season. He didn't appear Sunday after pitching four of the previous five days. Valverde has tied Guillermo Hernandez for the club record for consecutive saves in a season.