New York at Detroit

New York just ended a six-game homestand but they're on a 2-6 slide losing three times as a favorite. Starter Justin Verlander makes his Mets' debut after a few innings in the minors, delayed by a right teres major strain. New York's pitching staff is 21st in ERA and 20th in WHIP and the team is 56-63 versus lefty starters. Detroit has won three of seven, including 4-2 and 4-3 victories at Milwaukee as underdogs of +135 and +160. This is the fifth straight home game for the Tigers and their best starter takes the mound in southpaw Eduardo Rodriguez (2.21 ERA), including a 2-0 record at home with a 0.66 ERA. Rodriguez's teams are 19-4 when he starts in an inter-league game. Detroit has won nine of 12 versus the Mets and is 15-10 in inter-league action, plus 71-46 at home against NL teams that average 4.5+ runs. Play Detroit.