Live Tigers blog: Tigers, Indians postponed by rain
After a four hour, 13 minute delay, Thursday’s game between the Tigers and the Indians has been postponed by rain.
The two teams will play — if necessary — on Monday, an off-day for both teams prior to the start of the playoffs.
If the Tigers fail to earn either of the two American League Wild Card spots, the game is not likely to be made up. The Tigers remain a game back of the Orioles for the second spot. The Orioles face the Blue Jays tonight at 7:07. The Blue Jays are a game ahead of the Orioles for the first spot.
There is speculation that Michael Fulmer, who left yesterday’s 6-3, five-inning win three innings short of qualifying for the ERA title, may start — or at least pitch in — Monday’s makeup game, should it take place.
The Tigers head to Atlanta for a three-game weekend series against the Braves — the last series at Turner Field, before the Braves open their new stadium in the spring. Daniel Norris (3-2, 3.59 ERA), today’s scheduled starter, will pitch for the Tigers in their opener tomorrow at 7:35. Matt Wisler (7-12, 4.86 ERA) will go for the Braves.
Probable starters Tigers at Braves
Friday: Norris vs. Wisler
Saturday: Jordan Zimmermann (9-6, 4.88 ERA) vs. Aaron Blair (1-7, 8.02 ERA).
Sunday: Justin Verlander (16-8, 3.10 ERA) vs. Julio Teheran (6-10, 3.33 ERA
Four hours in, still no game
The rain delay prior to the game between the Tigers and Indians has now reached four hours.
About 40 minutes ago, crew chief Hunter Wendelstedt appeared to walk between both dugouts, but no update came from either team or Major League Baseball.
According to Detroit News reporter Tony Paul, the delay is nearly halfway to the longest in MLB history. The White Sox and Rangers, in 1990, were delayed for 7 hours, 23 minutes before postponing a game where no pitches were thrown.
Three hours later, game still delayed
The Tigers and Indians have now been delayed three hours with no announcement from the Tigers, Indians or Major League Baseball as to when the game might start, if indeed it will.
The Tigers play in Atlanta for a three-game weekend series to close out the regular season, beginning tomorrow. The Indians are set to hit the road, too. They play the Royals in a three-game set this weekend.
But if this game is postponed, it could be played on Monday -- which would have been an off-day for both teams, prior to the start of the playoffs should the Tigers earn a wild card spot.
We will continue to keep you posted as the delay goes on.
Delay reaches two-hour mark
As we reach the two-hour mark in the rain delay prior to the start of today's series finale between the Tigers and Indians, here is some rain delay reading.
► Rainout could set up wild travel scenario for Tigers
► Twitter poll: Will the Tigers get this game in?
► Wojo: With Tigers in playoff limbo, Cabrera delivers again
► Cabrera's 3-run blast gives Tigers rain-shortened win
► Henning: Upton’s home runs are nothing if not majestic
► Tigers' McCann deals with playing in pain
► Ausmus posts regular lineup for just 11th time this season
No start time for Tigers and Indians
The game remains delayed, more than an hour and ten minutes after the scheduled first pitch time. For nearly half an hour, the tarp had been removed, but at 2:25 -- almost an hour and twenty minutes late -- the tarp was put back on, as the delay continued.
While you wait, vote in this Twitter poll: Will the Tigers get this game in?
Game still delayed
35 minutes into the delay of the game between the Tigers and the Indians, the tarp was seen being pulled off the field by Comerica Park grounds crew members. There is still no word on a possible start time.
Stay tuned.
Start of game delayed by rain
Thursday afternoon's game between the Tigers and Indians is delayed. There is no word yet as to when the game will begin. The forecast calls for rain most of the day.
Detroit News reporter Tony Paul outlined a possible scenario for the makeup game, should it be required.
Stay tuned for further updates.
How to watch: Tigers vs. Indians
Weather permitting, the Tigers will wrap up a four-game series against the Indians Thursday at Comerica Park at 1:10 p.m.
It's been raining non-stop since Wednesday and Detroit News reporter Tony Paul said some of the Tigers are having a hard time getting to the park because of the slow-moving traffic, accidents and freeway closings.
Daniel Norris (3-2, 3.59 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Tigers. He beat the Indians Sept. 18 with six strikeouts in five innings.
Ryan Merritt (0-0, 1.50 ERA) has been working out of the bullpen but is slated to make his first start of the year. In 24 starts with Columbus, the left-hander went 11-8 with a 3.70 ERA.
Here's The Detroit News coverage of last night's rain-shortened 6-3 victory over the Indians.
► Wojo: With Tigers in playoff limbo, Cabrera delivers again
► Cabrera's 3-run blast gives Tigers rain-shortened win
► Henning: Upton’s home runs are nothing if not majestic
► Tigers' McCann deals with playing in pain
► Ausmus posts regular lineup for just 11th time this season
TIGERS LINEUP
1. Ian Kinsler, 2B
2. Cameron Maybin, CF
3. Miguel Cabrera, 1B
4. Victor Martinez, DH
5. J.D. Martinez, RF
6. Justin Upton, LF
7. Nick Castellanos, 3B
8. James McCann, C
9. Jose Iglesias, SS
Daniel Norris, P
INDIANS LINEUP
1. Rajai Davis, CF
2. Jose Ramirez, 3B
3. Francisco Lindor, SS
4. Mike Napoli, DH
5. Brandon Guyer, LF
6. Abraham Almonte, RF
7. Jesus Aguilar, 1B
8. Chris Gimenez, C
9. Michael Martinez, 2B
Ryan Merritt, P
TIGERS VS. INDIANS
When: Today, 1:10 p.m. (weather permitting)
Where: Comerica Park, Detroit
Pitching matchup: LHP Daniel Norris (3-3, 3.59 ERA) vs. LHP Ryan Merritt (0-0, 1.50 ERA)
Local TV: Fox Sports Detroit
National TV: None
Internet streaming: MLB.TV (blacked out in Detroit market)
Local radio: 97.1 FM
Satellite radio: SIRI 212