GDT: 9/3/09 - DET (71-61) VS CLE (58-74) - 1:05 p.m. ET

DETROIT -- Nate Robertson doesn't know how long this starting assignment is going to last for him. As he said before his return last Saturday, he is going to pitch until they take the ball away from him.

If he can build off his last outing, he has a chance to keep pitching for a while Thursday. And the Tigers will be a little closer to playing in the postseason.

Armando Galarraga's elbow inflammation created an opportunity for Robertson to start for the first time since last September, and though he couldn't turn his return into a win, he made it into a Major League showcase for his post-surgery pitching. Thursday's series finale against the Indians is the next step in the process, a chance to see how his arm responds with a full turn through the rotation and between-starts side work.

"It feels more natural to me," Robertson said after his last start.

Saturday's outing showed what Robertson hopes is the difference that the surgery in June made in his stuff. When doctors removed four tissue masses from his left elbow, they freed up some of the flexibility he used to have in his arm, allowing him to regain some of the bite on the slider that made him one of baseball's stingier pitchers against left-handed hitters. Not all of his sliders showed it Saturday, but several did.

At the same time, Robertson's velocity bumped back up into the 90s, topping out at 91 mph. While that isn't the same velocity he had when he established himself in Detroit's rotation in 2004 and '05, often hitting 93-94 mph, it's hard enough to create a speed differential for his changeup.

"The velocity was there," catcher Gerald Laird said after his last start. "The ball was a lot more crisp out of his hand. The slider was a lot tighter. It was definitely a positive. He threw some good changeups, and his sinker was sinking down and away. You could tell by some of the swings he got."

Said Robertson: "The big thing is I'm not thinking about anything in my arm. I'm just pitching."

The result is a three-pitch repertoire that can be difficult for hitters as long as he can attack the strike zone with all of them. If he can turn that into a positive result Thursday, the Tigers can stretch their lead in the American League Central to five games over the Twins, who are off Thursday after losing in the ninth inning Wednesday afternoon.

It would also earn the Tigers their first series sweep since Interleague Play. They've dominated at home since then, but usually by taking two out of three.

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Pitching matchup

DET: LHP Nate Robertson (1-1, 6.84 ERA)
Although Robertson took the loss to Tampa Bay in his first start of the season last Saturday at Comerica Park, the Tigers are hoping it's a stepping stone on his path back to his old form.


CLE: RHP Fausto Carmona (3-9, 6.20 ERA)
The right-hander had pitched well since coming back from the Minors, but couldn't put it together in his last start, when he gave up six runs on nine hits in 4 2/3 innings against the Orioles in a 13-4 loss. He looked good at times but couldn't pitch with consistent control, and often found himself behind in the counts and looking to find the plate. Manager Eric Wedge said he's a work in progress right now, and Wedge is hoping Carmona can get it all together.

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Tidbits

... Miguel Cabrera and Fernando Rodney were selected by local media as the Tigers' Player and Pitcher of the Month for August, respectively. Cabrera batted .343 (37-for-108) over 28 August games with eight doubles, seven home runs and 25 RBIs. Rodney racked up eight saves in as many opportunities over 13 appearances, scattering four earned runs over 13 2/3 innings for a 2.63 ERA.
... Placido Polanco will have the day off Thursday, as will Magglio Ordonez and Gerald Laird, as manager Jim Leyland tries to get as many left-handed hitters into his lineup as he can against Carmona. That means Alex Avila will get the start behind the plate, as will Clete Thomas in right field, Carlos Guillen in left and Aubrey Huff at DH.
... The Tigers have won 16 of their past 22 games against AL Central opponents.
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Up next (Probable Pitchers)

• Friday: Tigers (Justin Verlander, 15-7, 3.38 ERA) at Rays (Jeff Niemann, 12-5, 3.80 ERA), 7:38 p.m. ET
• Saturday: Tigers (Jarrod Washburn, 9-8, 3.55 ERA) at Rays (James Shields, 9-10, 3.86 ERA), 7:08 p.m. ET
• Sunday: Tigers (Edwin Jackson, 11-6, 3.09 ERA) at Rays (Wade Davis, 0-0, 0.00 ERA), 1:38 p.m. ET

STARTING LINEUPS:

Cleveland
Sizemore, CF
Carroll, J, 2B
Cabrera, A, SS
Choo, DH
Peralta, J, 3B
LaPorta, RF
Marte, A, 1B
Brantley, LF
Shoppach, C

Detroit
Granderson, CF
Thomas, C, RF
Guillen, C, LF
Cabrera, M, 1B
Huff, A, DH
Avila, C
Inge, 3B
Santiago, 2B
Everett, SS

good to see Nate back. Hpe he does well. Carmona is good, too.
I hate to say it but the Yankees do look good right now.
THere's still some season left, though.
Let's go Tigers, and glad for the Jackson W!

Inning 1
Top Half

B:4 S:2 O:0 -
Grady Sizemore walks.

B:0 S:1 O:2 - Jamey Carroll grounds into double play,
shortstop Adam Everett to second baseman Ramon Santiago to first
baseman Miguel Cabrera. Grady Sizemore out at 2nd.

B:0 S:2 O:3 -
Asdrubal Cabrera flies out to center fielder Curtis Granderson.

0-0 after .5 inning

Bottom Half

B:1 S:1 O:0 -
Curtis Granderson homers (26) on a fly ball to right field.
DET 1, CLE 0



B:2 S:3 O:1 -
Clete Thomas swinging.

B:2 S:2 O:2 -
Carlos Guillen grounds out, second baseman Jamey Carroll to first baseman Andy Marte.

B:2 S:0 O:2 -
Miguel Cabrera singles on a ground ball to right fielder Matt LaPorta.

B:1 S:1 O:3 -
Aubrey Huff flies out on the warning track in center to center fielder Grady Sizemore. (that would have been a homer anywhere else in the ballpark, darn)

DET 1, CLE 0 after 1 inning

Inning 2
Top Half

B:0 S:3 O:1 -
Shin-Soo Choo swinging.

B:1 S:1 O:2 -
Jhonny Peralta flies out to left fielder Carlos Guillen.

B:2 S:2 O:2 -
Matt LaPorta singles on a fly ball to right fielder Clete Thomas.

B:0 S:3 O:3 -
Andy Marte swinging.

DET 1, CLE 0 after 1.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:0 S:1 O:1 -
Alex Avila grounds out to first baseman Andy Marte.

B:1 S:1 O:2 -
Brandon Inge grounds out, third baseman Jhonny Peralta to first baseman Andy Marte.

B:1 S:1 O:2 -
Ramon Santiago singles on a line drive to center fielder Grady Sizemore.

B:4 S:0 O:2 -
Adam Everett walks. Ramon Santiago to 2nd.

B:0 S:3 O:3 -
Curtis Granderson called out on .


DET 1, CLE 0 after 2 innings

Inning 3
Top Half

B:2 S:3 O:1 -
Michael Brantley swinging.

B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Kelly Shoppach singles on a line drive to left fielder Carlos Guillen.

B:2 S:1 O:1 -
Grady Sizemore singles on a ground ball to right fielder Clete Thomas. Kelly Shoppach to 2nd.

B:1 S:2 O:2 - Jamey Carroll grounds into a force out,
second baseman Ramon Santiago to shortstop Adam Everett. Kelly Shoppach
to 3rd. Grady Sizemore out at 2nd. Jamey Carroll to 1st.

B:1 S:0 O:3 -
Asdrubal Cabrera pops out to second baseman Ramon Santiago.
Bottom Half

B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Clete Thomas pops out to second baseman Jamey Carroll.

B:2 S:0 O:2 -
Carlos Guillen grounds out, first baseman Andy Marte to pitcher Fausto Carmona.

B:0 S:1 O:3 -
Miguel Cabrera grounds out, third baseman Jhonny Peralta to first baseman Andy Marte.

DET 1, CLE 0 after 3 innings

Inning 4
Top Half

B:1 S:1 O:1 -
Shin-Soo Choo flies out to center fielder Curtis Granderson.

B:1 S:1 O:2 -
Jhonny Peralta grounds out, third baseman Brandon Inge to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

B:1 S:0 O:3 -
Matt LaPorta flies out to right fielder Clete Thomas.
Bottom Half

B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Aubrey Huff grounds out to first baseman Andy Marte.

B:3 S:2 O:2 -
Alex Avila flies out to left fielder Michael Brantley.

B:3 S:2 O:3 -
Brandon Inge flies out to left fielder Michael Brantley.

DET 1, CLE 0 after 4 innings

Inning 5
Top Half

B:1 S:2 O:1 -
Andy Marte grounds out, shortstop Adam Everett to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Michael Brantley singles on a bunt ground ball to third baseman Brandon Inge.

B:1 S:2 O:1 -
With Kelly Shoppach batting, Michael Brantley steals (1) 2nd base.

B:4 S:2 O:1 -
Kelly Shoppach walks. Passed ball by catcher Alex Avila. Michael Brantley to 3rd.

B:1 S:1 O:3 - Grady Sizemore grounds into double play,
second baseman Ramon Santiago to shortstop Adam Everett to first
baseman Miguel Cabrera. Kelly Shoppach out at 2nd.

Bottom Half

B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Ramon Santiago grounds out, second baseman Jamey Carroll to first baseman Andy Marte.

B:4 S:2 O:1 -
Adam Everett walks.

B:1 S:0 O:2 -
Curtis Granderson grounds out, second baseman Jamey Carroll to first baseman Andy Marte. Adam Everett to 2nd.

B:0 S:1 O:2 -
Clete Thomas hit by pitch.

B:2 S:3 O:3 -
Carlos Guillen called out on .

DET 1, CLE 0 after 5 innings

Inning 6
Top Half

B:1 S:2 O:1 -
Jamey Carroll flies out to right fielder Clete Thomas.

B:3 S:2 O:2 -
Asdrubal Cabrera flies out to right fielder Clete Thomas.

B:0 S:3 O:3 -
Shin-Soo Choo swinging.

DET 1, CLE 0 after 5.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Miguel Cabrera flies out to center fielder Grady Sizemore.

B:1 S:3 O:2 -
Aubrey Huff swinging.

B:4 S:0 O:2 -
Alex Avila walks.

B:0 S:2 O:3 -
Brandon Inge flies out to right fielder Matt LaPorta.

DET 1, CLE 0 after 6 innings

Inning 7
Top Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Pitcher Change: Ryan Perry replaces Nate Robertson.

B:1 S:3 O:1 -
Jhonny Peralta swinging.

B:1 S:0 O:2 -
Matt LaPorta flies out to center fielder Curtis Granderson.

B:1 S:2 O:3 -
Andy Marte flies out to center fielder Curtis Granderson.

DET 1, CLE 0 after 6.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:1 S:1 O:1 -
Ramon Santiago grounds out, third baseman Jhonny Peralta to first baseman Andy Marte.

B:4 S:1 O:1 -
Adam Everett walks.

B:4 S:1 O:1 -
Curtis Granderson walks. Adam Everett to 2nd.

B:4 S:1 O:1 -
Coaching visit to mound.

B:1 S:1 O:1 - Clete Thomas triples (3) on a line drive
to center fielder Grady Sizemore. Adam Everett scores. Curtis
Granderson scores.
DET 3, CLE 0



B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Pitcher Change: Tony Sipp replaces Fausto Carmona.

B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Carlos Guillen turns around to bat left-handed.

B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Coaching visit to mound.

B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Ryan Raburn replaces Carlos Guillen.

B:2 S:3 O:2 -
Ryan Raburn swinging.

B:4 S:0 O:2 -
Tony Sipp intentionally walks Miguel Cabrera.

B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Magglio Ordonez replaces Aubrey Huff.


B:3 S:3 O:3 -
Magglio Ordonez swinging.

DET 3, CLE 0 after 7 innings

Inning 8
Top Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Ryan Raburn remains in the game as the left fielder.

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Magglio Ordonez remains in the game as the designated hitter.

B:1 S:2 O:1 -
Michael Brantley grounds out, third baseman Brandon Inge to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

B:2 S:2 O:1 -
Kelly Shoppach doubles (12) on a line drive to left fielder Ryan Raburn.

B:2 S:2 O:1 -
Coaching visit to mound.

B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Pitcher Change: Fu-Te Ni replaces Ryan Perry.

B:1 S:2 O:2 -
Grady Sizemore lines out to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

B:0 S:2 O:2 -
Jamey Carroll singles on a ground ball to pitcher Fu-Te Ni. Kelly Shoppach to 3rd.

B:1 S:2 O:2 - Asdrubal Cabrera singles on a line drive
to center fielder Curtis Granderson. Kelly Shoppach scores. Jamey
Carroll to 2nd.
DET 3, CLE 1

B:2 S:2 O:2 -
Shin-Soo Choo doubles (33) on a fly ball to right fielder Clete Thomas. Jamey Carroll scores. Asdrubal Cabrera scores.
CLE 3, DET 3



B:2 S:2 O:2 -
Coaching visit to mound.

B:0 S:0 O:2 -
Pitcher Change: Zach Miner replaces Fu-Te Ni.


B:2 S:2 O:2 -
Jhonny Peralta hit by pitch.

B:1 S:2 O:3 -
Matt LaPorta grounds out, shortstop Adam Everett to first baseman Miguel Cabrera.

CLE 3, DET 3 after 7.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Offensive Substitution: Pinch hitter Placido Polanco replaces Alex Avila.

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Pitcher Change: Chris Perez replaces Tony Sipp.


B:3 S:1 O:1 -
Placido Polanco flies out to center fielder Grady Sizemore.

B:3 S:0 O:2 -
Brandon Inge grounds out, third baseman Jhonny Peralta to first baseman Andy Marte.

B:2 S:3 O:3 -
Ramon Santiago on foul tip.

CLE 3, DET 3 after 8 innings

Inning 9
Top Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Placido Polanco remains in the game as the second baseman.

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Defensive Substitution: Gerald Laird replaces second baseman Ramon Santiago, batting 8th, playing catcher.

B:0 S:0 O:1 -
Andy Marte flies out to center fielder Curtis Granderson.

B:4 S:2 O:1 -
Michael Brantley walks.

B:1 S:0 O:2 - With Kelly Shoppach batting, Michael
Brantley caught stealing 2nd base, catcher Gerald Laird to second
baseman Placido Polanco.

B:3 S:1 O:3 -
Kelly Shoppach lines out to shortstop Adam Everett.

CLE 3, DET 3 after 8.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:2 S:3 O:1 -
Adam Everett swinging.

B:1 S:2 O:2 -
Curtis Granderson lines out to second baseman Jamey Carroll.

B:2 S:3 O:3 -
Clete Thomas called out on .

CLE 3, DET 3 after 9 innings

Inning 10
Top Half

B:1 S:0 O:1 -
Grady Sizemore flies out to center fielder Curtis Granderson.

B:2 S:3 O:2 -
Jamey Carroll swinging.

B:2 S:2 O:3 -
Asdrubal Cabrera flies out to left fielder Ryan Raburn.

CLE 3, DET 3 after 9.5 innings

Bottom Half

B:0 S:0 O:0 -
Pitcher Change: Rafael Perez replaces Chris Perez.

B:0 S:1 O:0 -
Ryan Raburn doubles (10) on a fly ball to center fielder Grady Sizemore.

B:4 S:0 O:0 -
Rafael Perez intentionally walks Miguel Cabrera.

B:4 S:1 O:0 -
Magglio Ordonez walks. Ryan Raburn to 3rd. Miguel Cabrera to 2nd.