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Tigers' Ray set for debut vs. Astros

May 6, 2014 - 2:59 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - Offseason trade acquisition Robbie Ray makes his Major League debut on Tuesday night when the Detroit Tigers host the Houston Astros for the second game of a four-game series at Comerica Park.

The 22-year-old was in the Washington Nationals organization before the Tigers sent pitcher Doug Fister to the National League in exchange for Ray, Ian Krol and Steve Lombardozzi in December.

The youngster was stellar with the Tigers' Triple-A affiliate at Toledo, winning three of five decisions and compiling a stingy 1.53 earned run average. He could get two starts before rotation regular Anibal Sanchez returns from the 15-day disabled list on May 12.

He's opposed by fellow lefty Brett Oberholtzer, who's winless in six starts and has lost five decisions for Houston.

He posted a respectable 3.04 earned run average in his initial four starts of 2014, but has been nicked up for 12 runs in his last two outings - dropping a 10-1 decision to Oakland and a 7-0 verdict to Washington while lasting only 8 1/3 innings.

Opponents have hit him to the tune of a .305 batting average in his six starts, and the Astros have managed just seven runs.

"When you get predictable to one side of the plate, major league hitters are going to take advantage of that," manager Bo Porter said. "He left some balls up. When you look at the success that he had last year, it was because of the ability to pitch to both sides of the plate. Right now, it's all to one side of the plate."

Oberholtzer has never pitched against the Tigers.

Detroit has won eight of the last nine games between the teams.

On Monday, Max Scherzer hurled eight scoreless frames and fanned nine to lead the Tigers to a 2-0 win over the Astros.

Scherzer (4-1) picked up his fourth straight win while allowing just three hits and one walk. Joe Nathan pitched around a leadoff walk to earn his sixth save of the season.

Victor Martinez hit a solo homer and Rajai Davis had an RBI single for the Tigers, who have outscored their opponents 37-12 during a six-game winning streak.

The Astros managed just three singles from Dexter Fowler, George Springer and Jonathan Villar.

Houston starter Jarred Cosart (1-3) allowed an unearned run on four hits and three walks over seven innings while striking out three.

Detroit was 6-1 versus the Astros a year ago.