--RHP Justin Verlander was sitting and watching when his strong start was squandered by the faltering bullpen Thursday. Verlander got no decision after striking out a career-high 13 batters in 6 1/3 innings. He was removed after giving up a single and a walk following his 122nd pitch of the game. Verlander's fastball was sizzling and his curve devastating for the fourth straight start. He was charged with two runs although he left holding a 5-0 lead. It was his third straight double-digit strikeout performance, the first time that has been done by a Tigers pitcher since LHP Mickey Lolich in 1971.
--RF Magglio Ordonez was restored to the third spot in the batting order for at least one game Thursday. The move primarily was made because Ordonez was hitting .429 in his career against Minnesota RHP Scott Baker. Ordonez grounded a two-run single up the middle in a five-run sixth inning. He could remain third because he seems to be coming around at the plate, although still not with much power. --1B/3B Jeff Larish has sought out disabled OF Marcus Thames for advice on how to handle sparse playing time. "The guy I go to is Marcus because I feel we're similar players," Larish said. "We're more of power hitters. I can relate to him. I can go and bounce some things off him. He gives me a lot of encouragement. He's the main guy that I go to as far as that. He's had to deal with it for so long, too. He does a very good job of making you feel comfortable and making you feel a part of the team and making you feel like he's there for you and encouraging you."
Larish singled his first time up Tuesday night and added a solo home run, his third, in the sixth. "I look back at my brief career, and I don't remember too many guys' statistics. I just remember how they played the game and what type of teammates they were. I think that's the most important thing. Marcus is one of those guys who really stands out," Larish said.
BY THE NUMBERS: 25 -- RBIs by Detroit's two shortstops through May 10, most of any team in the majors. Backup SS Ramon Santiago had 13 and regular SS Adam Everett 12.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "This is not experimental and it's not developmental. This is the big leagues. He's going to the rotation and we expect everybody there to help us win games. The expectations are no higher on him than anyone else." -- Manager Jim Leyland, on the scheduled return Wednesday to the Detroit rotation of LHP Dontrelle Willis, who has been out all year with an anxiety disorder.
