Houston Astros (31-16) vs. Detroit Tigers (22-23), May 25, 2017, 7:10 PM CDT

TV: ROOTSW

Radio: KBME 790 AM, La Nueva 94.1 FM

Online: MLB.TV

Tigers SBNation Blog: Bless You Boys

Pitching Matchup

RHP Mike Fiers (1-2, 5.14 ERA, 1.43 WHIP) vs. RHP Justin Verlander (4-3, 4.39 ERA, 1.34 WHIP)

Preview

Mike Fiers continues to pitch on nights when the opponent throws out one of their top arms. Fiers, the Astros #5 starter, has taken the mound opposite pitchers such as Corey Kluber, Luis Severino, and Cole Hamels (until Hamels was scratched minutes before gametime). That trend continues tonight as 2011 Cy Young winner Justin Verlander takes the mound for Detroit.

Fiers has struggled mightily with the long ball this season, giving up 3.6 home runs per 9 innings. It has gotten to the point that I assume he will give up a couple homers per game and just hope that no one is on base when he does.

I consider myself an optimist though, so let’s try to find some encouraging signs for Fiers. His last start was arguably the best all season. He threw 6 innings and only gave up 1 ER against a tough Indians lineup. It was the first time in 7 starts that he only gave up 1 home run. Fiers also has better numbers at home this year, sporting a 3.50 ERA at Minute Maid Park.

On the other side, Justin Verlander is a very good pitcher in case you weren’t already aware. He has had a couple rough outings in 2017, but has gone 6+ innings in all but 2 of his starts this year.

After getting swept by the Indians to start the home stand, taking 3 of 4 against Detroit would be a great rebound.

Carlos Correa returns to the lineup after missing two days due to illness and Juan Centeno gets his second start with the Astros after having a great debut two nights ago. See the comments section below for complete lineups and as always...

Go ‘Stros!!