The Tigers and Marlins both missed the playoffs last season, but Opening Day brings up endless possibilities for both clubs when they meet Tuesday night in Miami.
Detroit had a very disappointing 2015, finishing 74-80 and in last place in the AL Central to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2010. Miami, meanwhile, closed out the season with a 71-91 record, placing third in the NL East and missing postseason action for the 12th straight season.
Justin Verlander (5-8, 3.38 ERA in 2015) takes the ball for the Tigers in his eighth Opening Day appearance, while the Marlins counter with Wei-Yin Chen (11-8, 3.34 ERA), whom they signed out of free agency.
Verlander, 33, insists his game is still on point.
"As long as my mechanics are good, I think I proved last year that there's plenty left in the tank," the right-hander told MLB.com.
Miami had a quiet offseason, but poses a duel threat in its lineup in Dee Gordon and slugger Giancarlo Stanton, who will look to stay healthy after missing 88 games last season due to a hand injury.
Gordon paced the NL in batting average (.333), stolen bases (58) and hits (205) last season. Don Mattingly, who served as the Dodgers skipper last season, takes over as manager.
"I liked their lineup; I think they were a team that hit for a pretty high average and got a lot of hits but didn't score a lot of runs," Mattingly said via MLB.com. "That tells you a lot."
Detroit added Justin Upton this offseason to a potent lineup that already includes Ian Kinsler, Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez and J.D. Martinez. Despite being limited to just 119 games in 2015, Cabrera led the Majors with a .330 average and paced the AL with a .440 on-base percentage.
Game Details & Live Stream
Matchup: Tigers (0-0) at Marlins (0-0)
Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
Venue: Marlins Park, Miami, Fla.
Radio: Detroit (97.1 The Ticket); Miami (940 WINZ)
Betting Odds: The latest betting odds for the game can be found here.
Watch Online: This game can be live streamed here. (with subscription)
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