By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, May 22, 2011
. UP NEXT
at Tigers
Tonight-Wednesday
What's new: The Tigers have been running hot and cold in the past month with a seven-game losing streak, a seven-game winning streak and a five-game losing streak that they snapped Sunday afternoon. … 1B Miguel Cabrera (despite his spring DUI issues), SS Jhonny Peralta and DH/C Victor Martinez have been their top hitters, but their strength is a rotation led by Justin Verlander. … Closer Jose Valverde is 11-for-11 in saves, but the rest of the bullpen is a mess, with former Ray Joaquin Benoit a big part of the problem with a 7.47 ERA that cost him his setup job. … INF Carlos Guillen and OF Magglio Ordonez are on the disabled list.
Key stat: The Tigers have at least one extra-base hit in each of their first 46 games.
Connections: Tigers OF Ryan Raburn is a Durant High product, Benoit a former Ray. … Rays DH Johnny Damon, RHP Kyle Farnsworth and OF Matt Joyce are ex-Tigers.
Series history: Rays lead 50-46 overall and 25-24 in Detroit but are 19-21 at Comerica Park.
Marc Topkin, Times staff writer