Cleveland Guardians

Tigers look to keep momentum going vs. Indians (Jun 30, 2017)

Published Jun. 29, 2017 7:28 p.m. ET

DETROIT -- The Detroit Tigers have shown signs of life in recent games. They need to keep the momentum going this weekend if they want to salvage their season.

The Tigers host American League Central leader Cleveland in a pivotal four-game series.

Tigers right-hander Anibal Sanchez (0-0, 6.75 ERA) will oppose struggling right-hander Josh Tomlin (4-9, 6.09 ERA) in the opener on Friday night.

Detroit (35-43) has won three of its last four games following an eight-game losing streak. It took two of three from Kansas City to start a 10-game homestand.

"It's huge, just like this series was huge," Tigers right-hander Michael Fulmer said. "Division opponents, it's our quickest way to make up ground in the Central. We're excited with the way we're playing right now. We've won three of the last four. We're excited to get ready for Cleveland to come into town and hopefully stay hot on our home field in front of our home fans. Hopefully, we don't disappoint them."

Sanchez will be making his first home start since he agreed to go to Triple-A Toledo to get more work and straighten out his mechanics. He made four starts with the Mud Hens before he was recalled prior to Detroit's last road trip.

Sanchez is coming off his best start of the season. He gave up two runs -- one earned -- on two hits over six innings against San Diego on Saturday but wound up with a no-decision.

In his previous start, Sanchez allowed two runs on five hits in five innings against Seattle.

"He was actually very good in San Diego," Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said. "Hopefully, he's good again here coming up on Friday. We'll see. He's been pitching well."

Sanchez gave up four runs on seven hits in three innings against Cleveland in April. He has made 15 career appearances against the Indians, going 4-7 with a 4.74 ERA.

Ausmus is hoping Sanchez will continue to build off his last two starts.

"I don't know if the stuff itself is that different," he said. "I think the changeup has looked a little better and the command has been good. With every inning you pitch and succeed, the confidence goes up."

Tomlin had an uncharacteristic outing in his last start, allowing three walks in 5 2/3 innings in a 4-0 loss to Minnesota. He walked just six batters in his previous 14 outings this season.

"I don't think he's had three walks in a couple of years, which is really amazing," Cleveland manager Terry Francona said. "I looked up in the third inning and I think he had 37 strikes and 34 balls. You don't see that either."

Tomlin was removed from that game after giving up a sixth-inning run and walking Brian Dozier.

"I thought there was a pretty good chance he'd go six," Francona said. "He competes like nobody's business but he wasn't commanding (Sunday) like he typically does."

Tomlin has allowed at least three earned runs in seven of his last eight starts and a minimum of four in his last three outings. He could be in danger of losing his rotation spot to Danny Salazar (sore right shoulder), who is on the 10-day disabled list but is scheduled to make a rehab start on Saturday.

Tomlin is 6-6 with a 5.32 ERA in 14 career outings against Detroit, including 10 starts. He is 3-3 with a 3.77 ERA in eight appearances at Comerica Park.

The Indians went 1-2 in their previous trip to Comerica this season but enjoyed a 7-1 road trip the last time they ventured from Progressive Field. Cleveland is 24-15 in road games.

"We've played better baseball on the road," Francona said.