Detroit @ Toronto preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 11, 2013 ) Toronto 1, Detroit 11

Both the Detroit Tigers and Toronto Blue Jays are struggling as the two teams begin a four-game series in Toronto on Monday. The Blue Jays have lost five of seven games following the scintillating stretch in which they tied the franchise record with 11 consecutive victories. Detroit has lost five of six games and has slipped back into a first-place tie with the Cleveland Indians in the American League Central.

Tigers third baseman Miguel Cabrera continues to shine despite Detroit’s recent issues and has hit seven homers during a 15-game hitting streak. Cabrera leads the majors in batting average (.373) and RBIs (82) and his 25 homers rank second behind Baltimore’s Chris Davis. Toronto lost to the Boston Red Sox on Sunday to fall one game below .500 and resides in last place in the AL East as it opens a seven-game homestand.

TV: 1:07 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Detroit, RSN (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH Jose Alvarez (1-1, 3.78 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH R.A. Dickey (7-8, 4.72)

Alvarez is making his fourth major-league start and suffered his first defeat in his last outing. He allowed four runs and seven hits in 5 2/3 innings against the Los Angeles Angels after giving up three total runs over his first two outings. Alvarez has allowed four homers in 16 2/3 innings.

Dickey was brilliant in his last outing when he tossed a two-hitter against the Tampa Bay Rays for his sixth career shutout. He is 3-1 over his last five starts, giving up one total run in the victories. Dickey is 4-2 with a 4.00 ERA in 14 career appearances (seven starts) against the Tigers.

WALK-OFFS

1. Toronto 1B Adam Lind is questionable for the opener after leaving Sunday’s game with back tightness. Lind batted .350 with seven homers and 22 RBIs in June.

2. Tigers 2B Omar Infante is batting .464 with two homers in 28 career at-bats against Dickey.

3. Cabrera went 7-for-14 with a homer, five RBIs and six runs scored in April’s three-game series against the Blue Jays in Detroit.

PREDICTION: Tigers 7, Blue Jays 4