Believe it or not, the Tigers will already halfway through the regular season after Wednesday's series finale against the Oakland A's, playing game No. 81.

"It goes faster in this seat than it does as a player," said manager Brad Ausmus, noting that it had been a roller coaster ride in the first half of the season.

Win or lose Wednesday, the Tigers will have their best midpoint mark since 2007's 47-34 spot.

Victor Martinez (side) was out of the lineup initially for the the third straight game. Ausmus said he planned to hold him out, even if he tried to talk his way into the lineup after batting practice again.

With Victor Martinez out, Torii Hunter will be the DH for the first time this season, and the first time in a Tigers uniform. The last time he was penciled in as DH was Aug. 19, 2012, as a member of the Los Angeles Angels.

J.D. Martinez, just named the Tigers Player of the Month for June, will start in right field.

DETROIT TIGERS (46-34):
Austin Jackson, CF
Ian Kinsler, 2B
Miguel Cabrera, 1B
J.D. Martinez, RF
Torii Hunter, DH
Nick Castellanos, 3B
Alex Avila, C
Andrew Romine, SS
Rajai Davis, LF

Pitcher: Justin Verlander, RHP (6-7, 4.80 ERA)

OAKLAND A'S (51-32):

Pitcher: Jesse Chavez, RHP (6-4, 2.94 ERA)