The Detroit Tigers took the series opener against the Houston Astros, 9-3, at Daikin Park on Monday night in a game that saw AJ Hinch\u2019s team strike out 18 times but still nearly put up double-digit runs. Only one of those Ks belonged to Colt Keith, who homered in his other three at-bats and racked up six RBIs to power the good guys to the win.<\/p>\n
Taking the mound on Tuesday for the Tigers is left-hander Framber Valdez, who will face his former team for the first time ever. The 32-year-old has alternated good and bad starts over his last six outings, with his most recent one being of the latter variety, surrendering four runs on six hits (two home runs) and two walks while striking out two over five frames to take the loss in a 6-4 final against the Minnesota Twins.<\/p>\n
For the Astros, right-hander Hunter Brown will return from the injured list, where he has been shelved since the end of March after making just two starts. However, before going down with a Grade 2 right shoulder strain, the 27-year-old had looked sharp, albeit in a small sample size.<\/p>\n
Brown last faced Detroit last year on Aug. 19, in which he tossed six innings of shutout ball, surrendering five hits and three walks while striking out six in a game that the Tigers ultimately prevailed in, 1-0, in 10 innings.<\/p>\n
Here is a look at how the two match up on Tuesday night.<\/p>\n
Detroit Tigers (30-42) vs. Houston Astros (33-41)<\/p>\n