Toronto @ Detroit preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 9, 2013 ) Toronto 3, Detroit 7

The Toronto Blue Jays have stumbled out of the gate with five losses in seven games after a barrage of big-ticket offseason moves. The Blue Jays allowed 20 runs the last two games and will attempt to turn things around in the second of a three-game series at the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday. Jays shortstop Jose Reyes is a red-hot 10-for-16 the last four games and batting .444 overall, but cleanup hitter Edwin Encarnacion is struggling and slugger Jose Bautista is battling a sore ankle.

Miguel Cabrera belted his first home run in the 7-3 victory over Toronto on Tuesday and has 10 RBIs in the first seven games, coming off his Triple Crown season. The Tigers have won three of their last four at home and Torii Hunter continues to set the table batting second, recording a team-best 14 hits to stand among the league leaders.

TV: 1:05 p.m., SNET-1 (Toronto), Fox Sports Detroit.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays LH Mark Buehrle (0-0, 10.13 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Rick Porcello (0-1, 5.06)

Buehrle’s Toronto debut was one to forget. The left-hander allowed seven hits, including a pair of home runs, and six runs over 5 1/3 innings against Cleveland. Buehrle has 174 career victories and only one season where he finished under .500 – 12-13 in 2006. He is 18-10 against the Tigers with a 3.36 ERA over 230 1/3 innings, all while he was with the Chicago White Sox.

Porcello also surrendered two homers in his first start of the season. He pitched 5 1/3 innings, giving up six hits and three runs against Minnesota. Porcello, subject to trade rumors throughout the spring, is coming off a 10-12 campaign. The right-hander is 2-3 lifetime against the Blue Jays with a 4.50 ERA in 30 innings. Maicer Izturis is 8-for-13 with a homer against Porcello.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tigers reliever Darin Downs has not allowed a hit over 4 1/3 innings and has struck out seven, despite being charged with one run.

2. Toronto has committed seven errors in seven games and has turned only three double plays, both near the bottom of the majors.

3. Detroit DH Victor Martinez is 27-for-74 with four homers and 15 RBIs against Buehrle, although he is day-to-day with a bad cut on his right thumb.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 5, Tigers 3