Philadelphia @ Detroit preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 26, 2013 ) Philadelphia 1, Detroit 2

Max Scherzer attempts to become baseball's first 15-game winner on his 29th birthday when he leads the Detroit Tigers into the middle contest of a three-game interleague series against the visiting Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday. Scherzer originally was scheduled to oppose Philadelphia left-hander Cliff Lee in a marquee matchup, but Lee was scratched due to a stiff neck. The maneuver prompted instant speculation that Lee was being held back due to a pending trade.

Raul Valdes gets the start in place of Lee as he takes on a Tigers team that has won five of six contests, including a 2-1 victory over the Phillies in Friday's series opener. Meanwhile, Philadelphia has scored just 10 runs while losing a season-high six straight games. Detroit hopes to have slugger Miguel Cabrera back in the lineup as he missed his fourth straight game Friday due to a left hip injury.

TV: 7:08 p.m. ET, CSN (Philadelphia), FSN (Detroit)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies LH Raul Valdes (1-0, 7.59 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Max Scherzer (14-1, 3.14)

Valdes will be making his third career start and first since June 27, 2012, when he lasted just two innings in a loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates. He has given up seven runs in 8 2/3 frames over his last four relief appearances for the Phillies dating back to April 30. Valdes allowed a run in 5 1/3 innings in his first major-league start on Oct. 2, 2010 while with the New York Mets.

Scherzer got back to his winning ways after two starts without a victory when he allowed two runs in eight innings at the Chicago White Sox on Monday. It was the longest start since May 31 for the St. Louis native, who has posted a 4.20 ERA at home compared to 2.21 on the road. Scherzer lost his only prior career start against Philadelphia, giving up five runs over four innings in 2008 while with Arizona.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tigers OF Torii Hunter missed Friday's game due to a sore left Achilles tendon. He remains day-to-day.

2. Philadelphia is hitting .208 during its six-game slide.

3. The 3-4-5 hitters in Detroit's lineup Friday went 0-for-10. The 6-9 hitters were 4-for-10.

PREDICTION: Tigers 6, Phillies 2