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Royals look to pull into tie with Tigers in AL Central

Sep 23, 2008 - 9:52 PM Kansas City (71-86) at Detroit (71-84) 7:05 p.m. EDT

DETROIT (Ticker) -- Looking to avoid capping a disappointing 2008 campaign with a last place finish in the American League Central, the Detroit Tigers will attempt to snap a four-game losing streak when they host the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday.

Kansas City, which has finished in last place in the AL Central each of the last four seasons, won for the ninth time in its last 11 games with a 6-2 win in the series opener.

Royals starter Zach Greinke (12-10, 3.59) has played a key role in the recent winning ways. The righthander has won his last two starts, following up a six-inning, three-run performance in Cleveland with seven scoreless innings against the Seattle Mariners in his last outing.

Greinke was roughed up in his last start against the Tigers, allowing five runs over six innings during a 7-1 defeat in Detroit on July 23.

Freddy Garcia (1-0, 0.00) makes his second start for the Tigers since returning from shoulder surgery. He allowed just an unearned run and two hits in five innings against the Texas Rangers on September 17.

Garcia, 32, signed a minor league contract with Detroit in August after an injury shortened season with the Philadelphia Phillies last season. The righthander, who had recorded double-digit wins in six consecutive seasons, started just 11 games in 2007, posting a 1-5 record and a 5.90 ERA before going on the disabled list with shoulder problems.