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Tigers: Most expect a 20-year-old breaking into a Major League rotation to have his ups and downs, and after being up for all of May -- when he went 5-0 with a 1.50 ERA -- Porcello has slowed down a bit, although not much. In his last two starts, Porcello is 0-1, having allowed seven earned runs in 9 1/3 innings. Tigers manager Jim Leyland cited some control problems in his most recent outing, but the rookie has still been impressive 11 starts into his career.

Pirates: Snell pitched well in six innings against the Astros in his last start, scattering eight hits and giving up three runs but receiving a no-decision. Snell is now winless in his past nine outings. He has faced the Tigers once in his career, giving up four runs on seven hits in a loss during the 2006 season.

Tigers: Galarraga might be more frustrated with his game right now than at any other point in this sophomore slump of his. He's seemingly turning a corner, as his three straight quality starts suggest, but his early-inning struggles and hit totals are baffling him -- including a bases-loaded escape with a run allowed in a 33-pitch opening inning Monday afternoon against the White Sox. If he can get command back on his sinker and avoid the untimely sliders that spin a lot and stay flat, it should make a difference in his mix of pitches.

Pirates: After finishing at least seven innings in five consecutive starts, Duke lasted only six in most recent. The six runs allowed matched a season high for the lefty and his 11 hits allowed was just one shy of the most he's allowed this year. Duke also served up three homers in his last start after only giving up four in his previous 11 outings this year. Until Monday's outing, Duke had not given up multiple home runs in any game this season. This will mark Duke's first career appearance against the Tigers.

Tigers: Willis hasn't won in four starts since his 6 1/3-scoreless-inning victory against the Rangers on May 19, but his ability to compete even in the toughest of situations has earned him a spot in Detroit's rotation over a struggling Jeremy Bonderman. He overcame five walks and five hits over five innings -- and a sore knee he injured trying to make a sliding tag at the plate -- to keep the Tigers in their game against the White Sox in his last start on Tuesday. By starting Sunday's series finale at Pittsburgh, Willis gets the upshot of helping his own cause by batting for the first time in his Tigers tenure.

Pirates: Ohlendorf is looking to break a four-start winless streak, including back-to-back no-decisions. In his last start, Tuesday night in Atlanta, he pitched six strong innings -- he said it was as well as he threw all year -- and left with the lead, but got a no-decision when the bullpen could not hold the lead in a 4-3 loss. He credited improved balance after having worked with pitching coach Joe Kerrigan. Ohlendorf has no record against Detroit and has only faced them once, last April 29, as a member of the Yankees. He threw 3 1/3 shutout innings, allowing one hit, walking one and striking out five.

Liqourish wrote:Maybe we should have put Porcello in the Wings lineup too, LOL.

This kid is the real deal. I was pushing for him in spring training and I can't see any reason to stop now.

Yes, he's a rookie. Yes, he's going to stumble. Yes, he's going to have some bad outings throughout the year. But most nights, he going to do very well and give this team a damn good chance to win a ballgame. And that's really all you can ask from any player.

Liqourish wrote:A sweep would be nice, especially considering Pittsburghs struggles against AL teams in interleague play. But we need our offense to kick it up a notch. Galarraga and Willis will need quite a few runs to allow them to let go out there. We also need strong outings from our bullpen.