Justin Verlander starts tonight against Toronto
Two teams hoping against hope they can become contendersand avoid the dreaded selloff label -- the Blue Jays andTigers -- begin the post-All-Star-break schedule Fridaywith a three-game series at Comerica Park.
In the first of the three-game weekend series Justin Verlander goes to the hill for Detroit, while Toronto counters with Aaron Sanchez.
Toronto, 41-47 and 8 1/2 games out of first place in the AmericanLeague East, has a serious road trip at Detroit, Boston andCleveland to open the traditional second half.
Detroit, 39-48 and eight games out in the AL Central, will spend aweek at Kansas City and Minnesota after hosting Toronto. The Tigersneed a two-week hot streak but with a season-best four-game winningstreak, that does not seem likely.
Detroit had an eight-game losing streak and was just 7-14 beforethe break.