Detroit @ Boston preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 2, 2013 ) Detroit 3, Boston 0

The Detroit Tigers struck first in the battle of two division leaders. They attempt to clinch the three-game series when they visit the American League East-leading Boston Red Sox again on Tuesday. The Central-leading Tigers are without superstar Miguel Cabrera due to an abdominal injury but leaned on their strong starting pitching to take the series opener 3-0 on Monday.

Cabrera took backing practice on Monday but is not expected back until the series finale on Wednesday, if not later. Boston holds a comfortable lead over the Tampa Bay Rays in the East but is attempting to beat out Detroit for the best record in the AL and homefield advantage throughout the playoffs. The Tigers (81-57) lead the Cleveland Indians by 8 1/2 games in the Central and are a half-game behind Boston (82-57).

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FSN Detroit, NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Max Scherzer (19-1, 2.90 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Jon Lester (12-8, 3.99)

Scherzer is trying to become the first pitcher in the majors to reach 20 wins but is coming off one of his worst outings. The All-Star starter yielded six runs (five earned) on eight hits in five innings against Oakland last week but was bailed out by his offense in a no-decision. Scherzer, who has not lost since July 13, went seven innings to beat Boston on June 22, allowing two runs on six hits.

Lester picked up his fifth straight quality start against Baltimore last week, allowing three runs on five hits in six innings, but still absorbed the loss in a 3-2 final. The 29-year-old held the opposition without a home run for the fifth consecutive outing in the loss. Lester got much more run support at Detroit on June 21 and earned a win despite surrendering five runs on nine hits - two homers - in 5 2/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tigers SS Jose Iglesias, who was traded from the Red Sox in a three-team deal on July 30, doubled and made spectacular defensive plays Monday in his return to Boston.

2. Red Sox OF Daniel Nava has reached base safely in his last 37 starts.

3. Detroit leads Boston - the top two scoring teams in the majors - 702 to 698 in total runs.

PREDICTION: Tigers 7, Red Sox 4