We Can Count on Quintana, Right? - Game Preview & Lineups 4/29

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A split in Detroit considering the pitching situation of a short-notice lack of Sale was a coup. This go-round, on local turf and a short 2-game series, the pitching situation again falls unfavorably. The White Sox managed to pull Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer as opponents while putting forth a struggling Jose Quintana tonight and a penciled-in Hector Noesi the following day. A split, read: not a series loss, keeps the team record above .500 for the season’s opening month.

Where have you gone, Jose Quintana’s strikeouts? After averaging 6 K’s per start during his first three games, he’s only totaled 4 in his last two. The fact remains that he’s still the No. 2 starter, defacto No. 1 with Sale down and the Sox best bet to take down a Detroit ace.

Detroit ace the first stands in the way tonight. Justin Verlander has been doing annoying things this season. Things like pitching deep into games, never allowing more than 2 earned runs in any start. The type of stuff that really gets under people’s skin. His last start came against Chicago and it goes without explanation that he pitched well enough for his team to win, though Jose Abreu did manage to take him deep to center field.

4 for his last 8, the Abreu watch continues to delight all those paying attention that aren’t standing in the field when his successes are viewed. Jose went 2-for-3 against Verlander last go. Verlander’s a smart guy, and has probably remembered some things not to try against the Pale Hose’s hottest hitter, and now it’s up to Abreu to catch up with whatever adjustment gets thrown his way.

Today’s Lineup:

  1. Eaton – CF
  2. Beckham – 2B
  3. Abreu – 1B
  4. Dunn - DH
  5. Viciedo - RF
  6. Ramirez – SS
  7. De Aza – LF
  8. Flowers – C
  9. Semien – 3B

Jose Quintana - SP

Tigers Lineup:

  1. Davis – LF
  2. Kinsler – 2B
  3. Cabrera – DH
  4. Martinez – 1B
  5. Hunter – RF
  6. Jackson – CF
  7. Castellanos – 3B
  8. Avila – C
  9. Worth - SS

Justin Verlander - SP

Where to Watch:

Today’s game will be broadcast on WCIU and Fox Sports Detroit. 7:10 Central start time.