Indians pregame notes: Giambi shows his speed, Tito makes changes to rotation
DETROIT -- Jason Giambi is 43 and doesn't exactly have blazing speed, but that didn't stop him from making a head's up play during the ninth inning of Friday's game against Detroit.
Giambi was inserted into the game as a pinch-hitter and drew a walk. With two outs, Lonnie Chisenhall doubled to the gap in right-center as Giambi didn't break stride as he rounded third. Giambi likely would have been thrown out at home but Tigers' second baseman Ian Kinsler threw to third instead.
"The Scotch tape held up," Giambi said. "You have to play hard. You can't give away at-bats and during the long course of a season those things are important. Chisenhall had a great at-bat and he was able to get something for it. However you can help the ballclub that's what it's all about."
Giambi, who has played in only 20 games and is batting .148, has been more of a coach to the younger players this season. That play was a way of Giambi showing on the field what he has been preaching to them in the dugout and clubhouse.
"I would say that is another example of why G is G. He says all the right things but when you're that age and do something like that it backs up the words," said Terry Francona of Giambi.
ROTATION UPDATE: T.J. House won't start again until next weekend's series in Minnesota. Zach McAllister is making a spot start on Monday in Houston due to last week's rainout while Francona would like to keep Corey Kluber on his normal schedule and remain with right-handers the rest of the series.
That would mean Kluber would be the projected starter for Tuesday with Carlos Carrasco going Wednesday and Danny Salazar on Thursday.
BIG FAN: The Tigers are having Star Wars Night at Comerica Park which made for an interesting pregame discussion with Francona, who was asked what his favorite baseball promotion is.
"It doesn't speak to my maturity but I really like the Zoopertars. You see all the little kids laughing and then me," said Francona smiling.
