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Tigers' Galarraga laying claim to rotation spot

May 2, 2008 - 2:01 PM Detroit (13-15) at Minnesota (13-14) 8:10 pm EDT

MINNEAPOLIS (Ticker) - Armando Galarraga is making a strong case to remain in the starting rotation.

Galarraga and the Detroit Tigers go for their fourth consecutive win on Friday when they open a three-game series against the Minnesota Twins.

After offseason acquisition Dontrelle Willis was placed on the disabled list with a hyperextended right knee on April 12, Galarraga (2-0, 1.50 ERA) was recalled from Class AAA Toledo to take his place in the rotation.

The 26-year-old lefthander Willis is eligible to come off the DL on Sunday but likely won't return to the rotation immediately - if at all with the way the 26-year-old righthander is pitching.

Galarraga allowed three runs - one earned - and three hits in six innings on Monday, but did not factor in the decision as the Tigers dropped a 6-4 decision to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Despite surrendering his most runs of the season, Galarraga didn't allow a hit through 5 2/3 innings on Monday and has given up just three earned runs and seven hits in 18 frames overall.

Livan Hernandez (3-1, 5.05) looks to bounce back from his worst start of the season when he toes the rubber for the Twins on Friday.

The veteran righthander allowed seven runs and nine hits, lasting just 2 2/3 innings en route to an ugly 10-0 loss to the Texas Rangers on Tuesday.