Blue Jays at Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are making a spirited charge during their 12-game homestand, winning back-to-back series to move into second place in the American League Central. The surging Tigers (26-30) could see additional good news in the form of the return of Miguel Cabrera to the lineup on Friday when they open a three-game set versus the Toronto Blue Jays (25-31).
"If he's good, he'll go right in the lineup," Detroit manager Ron Gardenhire said of Cabrera, who has been sidelined for nearly one month with a strained right hamstring. Nicholas Castellanos has recorded consecutive three-hit performances to finish May with a flourish, batting 20-for-49 with seven runs scored in his last 11 games. While the Tigers have located their offense to win six of their last eight, the Blue Jays have struggled to find consistency at the plate en route to losing 13 of their last 17 contests. Toronto has fallen to a season-worst six games under .500 after a 9-19 record in May, with its .321 winning percentage marking its worst in that month since 1981.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, Sportsnet (Toronto), FS Detroit
PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays LH Jaime Garcia (2-3, 5.52 ERA)) vs. Tigers LH Blaine Hardy (1-0, 2.70)
Garcia returned from a stint on the disabled list due to shoulder inflammation and recorded his best start with Toronto on Saturday, breezing through a season-high seven innings on just 73 pitches. "He looked totally different than he has all year," manager John Gibbons said of the 31-year-old, who allowed one run on five hits. "He had great command, and that's what was hurting him all year. ... That 10 days off looks like it did him wonders." Garcia, who has permitted the current crop of Tigers to bat .385 against him, surrendered two runs in four innings for a no-decision in his lone career appearance versus Detroit.
Hardy posted his first career win in a starting role on Sunday after yielding one run on three hits over a career-long seven innings in a 3-2 triumph versus the Chicago White Sox. "Did I expect this? No chance," said the 31-year-old, who had never pitched more than five innings during his major league career. "I was hoping I could get through five and turn the game over to the bullpen." Hardy retired his last 14 batters and fanned a season-high six while making his third start in place of the injured Jordan Zimmermann (shoulder).
WALK-OFFS
1. Toronto DH Kendrys Morales has two straight multi-hit performances in the sweep against Boston to give him four such games in his last eight outings after notching just three in his previous 31.
2. Detroit 3B Jeimer Candelario has reached base in 25 consecutive contests, accounting for the longest active streak in the majors.
3. Blue Jays 3B Josh Donaldson likely will return from a two-game absence due to a tight left calf.