The set-up: The Tigers have lost four of five as they open a four-game series in Chicago against the White Sox with a Friday doubleheader. Detroit opens its eight-game road trip by dropping three of four at Houston and are now 22-24, 4 1/2 games back of first place in the AL Central. They hope to fare better in this four-game set at Chicago, which returns home off suffering a three-game sweep in Arizona. The White Sox are 20-25, 1 1/2 games back of the Tigers and will look to turn things around with a seven-game homestand (Red Sox follow the Tigers into Chicago).

The pitching matchup: Buck Farmer (2016: 0-1 & 4.60 ERA) will take the mound in Game 1 of the doubleheader for Detroit and will face off with Chicago's Mike Pelfrey (1-4 & 4.85 ERA). Farmer is being called up from Triple-A to make his first start of the 2017. He's hardly been a "shut down" pitcher so far, going just 1-3 with a 4.12 ERA in nine starts at Toledo. He also hasn't fared well in eight previous major-league starts, compiling an 0-5 record and 9.17 ERA. Pelfrey defeated Seattle in his last outing, allowing just one run on four hits over six innings. It hasn't been a good start for Pelfrey here in Chicago, as he had failed to last five innings in four of his first five starts, before pitching well against the Mariners. Pelfrey is 3-5 with a 4.31 in 11 career starts versus the Tigers (teams are 5-6), including a no-decision on April 28 in which he gave up three runs and six hits.in 4 2/3 innings.

The pick: Sometimes, one just has to go with his gut. That's the case here, plus Pelfrey hadn't pitched well at all, until his last outing. Farmer makes his season debut but has 32 appearances (eight starts) over parts of the last three seasons with Detroit. However, he is still chasing his first big league victory as he sports a career record of 0-6 with a 6.84 ERA. He has no decisions and a 3.00 ERA in three career appearances vs. the White Sox, all in relief. As Rod Stewart sang, "Tonight's the night." Make Detroit a 10* play.