Coming off a sweep at the hands of the American League Central-leading Cleveland Indians, the Tigers headed to Minneapolis, hoping to stop a three-game skid. Rookie fifth starter Drew Smyly (1-1, 2.89 ERA) is coming off back-to-back outings where he allowed a pair of two-run home runs each game, but not a whole lot else.

Right-hander Anthony Swarzak, starting in place of the injured Nick Blackburn, is 0-3 with a 6.75 ERA in three starts this season, and has a 7.62 ERA against Detroit in his career. Ryan Raburn is making his return to the lineup after missing three games following the death of his grandmother.

DETROIT TIGERS (20-24, 3rd AL Central):
Quintin Berry, CF (L)
(.250, 2-2B, 2 R)
Andy Dirks, LF (L)
(.321, 7-2B, 2-3B, 4 HR, 14 RBI; vs. Swarzak: 1-for-4, 2B)
Miguel Cabrera, 3B (R)
(.305, 8-2B, 8 HR, 35 RBI; vs. Swarzak: 3-for-7, 2B, HR)
Prince Fielder, 1B (L)
(.286, 8-2B, 7 HR, 25 RBI; vs. Swarzak: 1-for-3)
Delmon Young, DH (R)
(.248, 9-2B, 2 HR, 14 RBI; vs. Swarzak: 1-for-4) 
Brennan Boesch, RF (L)
(.247, 7-2B, 5 HR, 15 RBI; vs. Swarzak: 1-for-3)
Jhonny Peralta, SS (R)
(.246, 9-2B, 2 HR, 12 RBI; vs. Swarzak: 4-for-9, 2B, HR)
Alex Avila, C (L)
(.225, 4-2B, 3B, 5 HR, 17 RBI; vs. Swarzak: 1-for-4, HR)
Ryan Raburn, 2B (R)
(.144, 5-2B, 1 HR, 6 RBI; vs. Swarzak: 0-for-1)