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Tigers start a rookie in search of sweep

May 13, 2007 - 1:23 PM Detroit (23-12) at Minnesota (17-19) 8:05 pm EDT

MINNEAPOLIS (Ticker) -- The Detroit Tigers have ridden their recent hot streak to the top of the American League Central Division.

The Tigers go for their fourth straight win and a three-game sweep of the Minnesota Twins on Sunday.

The Twins may be without reigning American League MVP Justin Morneau, who took an errant throw off the bridge of his nose in the eighth inning of Saturday's loss. Morneau suffered a broken nose and is listed as day-to-day.

The possible absence of Morneau would make it easier on rookie Virgil Vasquez, who will be making his first major league start for the Tigers. The 24-year-old righthander had a 4-2 record with a 2.82 ERA in seven starts at Class AAA Toledo of the International League this season.

Vasquez (NR) moved up in Detroit's system with an impressive showing in the fall, topping the Arizona Fall League with a 2.81 ERA. He was the last player added to the Tigers' 40-man roster in November.

The Twins will counter with Boof Bonser (0-1, 3.96 ERA). The 25-year-old righthander has been sharp lately, yielding just two earned runs over his last three starts combined.

Bonser has not earned a decision in a start since a loss on April 10 against the Yankees.

Detroit has outscored Minnesota, 15-5 in the first two games of the series.