* Taped event 

MINNEAPOLIS -- The battle of the bullpens this was not. 

--LHP Nate Robertson was placed on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 6 with a lower-back muscle strain, and the Tigers purchased the contract of LHP Luke French from their Class AAA Toledo farm club to replace him. 

What's up with Justin Verlander? All of a sudden a right-hander who was struggling to win games has become a truly dominating pitcher. 

--RHP Justin Verlander was sitting and watching when his strong start was squandered by the faltering bullpen Thursday. 

Eighty-nine times Craig Breslow had walked to the mound as a major league pitcher. 

Only 14 hours had passed since the last time it happened, so it's not like the Tigers had forgotten. 

Ron Gardenhire finished the Tigers series tied with Detroit manager Jim Leyland, one ejection apiece. 

Umpire Paul Schrieber promptly issued an apology on Thursday morning for placing his hand on Detroit slugger Magglio Ordonez's back and steering him toward the dugout during a heated confrontation the previous night. 

The Oakland Athletics have started to break through the hitting woes that have plagued them all season. 

Joe Crede saw a lot of these comebacks by Minnesota from the other side. 

--RHP Joel Zumaya now knows why his manager wants him to throw more curves and changeups. 

Wednesday's outburst aside, what Detroit's offense needs more than anything, manager Jim Leyland feels, is a return to form by right fielder Magglio Ordonez and a healthy Carlos Guillen. 

--DH Jeff Larish is trying to pick up Detroit's struggling sluggers. 

After Minnesota's bullpen sprung more leaks, Joe Crede provided the relief.