Toronto @ Detroit preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 10, 2013 ) Toronto 8, Detroit 6

The Detroit Tigers had concerns about their bullpen to start the season and nothing has changed through the first eight games. The Tigers have coughed up two leads already as they host the Toronto Blue Jays in the rubber match of a three-game series Thursday. Detroit has allowed 38 runs – 19 charged to its bullpen. Miguel Cabrera, Prince Fielder and the high-powered Tigers’ offense can put up big numbers, but they will have to be more consistent on the mound.

The Blue Jays scored seven runs after the fifth inning to beat the Tigers 8-6 on Wednesday, the type of victory that could be a springboard. In addition, clean-up hitter Edwin Encarancion belted a pair of doubles and knocked in a run during the comeback after going 2-for-27 in the first seven contests. With fellow slugger Jose Bautista getting healthier, the Jays can be just as productive as the Tigers.

TV: 1:08 p.m., SNET-1 (Toronto), Fox Sports Detroit.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Josh Johnson (0-0, 4.50 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Doug Fister (1-0, 5.40)

Johnson is searching for the health and form that made him one of the most promising pitchers in baseball when he was 33-12 between 2008 and 2010. The right-hander was not sharp in his Toronto debut, allowing nine hits and four runs – three earned – over six innings against Boston. Johnson, who has suffered shoulder problems the last two seasons, is facing Detroit for the first time.

Fister got the job done in his season opener, giving up six hits and three runs over five innings. The right-hander has been the most successful pitching in Detroit’s Comerica Park, going 11-5 with a 2.99 ERA in his career and 6-3 last year. Fister, who was 10-10 in 2012, is 1-2 with a 3.77 ERA over 28 2/3 innings against Toronto. He allowed only one run in an eight-inning start to beat the Jays last season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Toronto SS Jose Reyes had reached base in 14 of the previous 22 at-bats before going 1-for-5 Wednesday.

2. Tigers DH Victor Martinez, who missed the 2012 season with a knee injury, is off to a 3-for-25 start without an extra-base hit.

3. Toronto OF Rajai Davis is 11-for-26 with a pair of doubles against Fister in his career.

PREDICTION: Tigers 5, Blue Jays 4