Detroit Tiger manager Jim Leyland gambled Tuesday night when he started rookie Jair Jurrjens against the Cleveland Indians.
With an off day on Monday, Leyland had the option of starting Justin Verlander in the first game of the crucial series against Cleveland. Instead, he opted for a kid making his second big-league start since being promoted from Double A.
I must admit I didn’t like his choice.
But Leyland proved he knows a lot more about baseball than I do and Jurrjens showed he might have a bright future.
Jurrjens was outstanding, allowing just one hit over the first six and two thirds innings, then Joel Zumaya, Fernando Rodney and Todd Jones finished shutting down the Indians.
It was a huge win for the Tigers, restoring some confidence and putting them in great shape with Verlander taking the mound Wednesday.
And I think Jurrjens earned himself another start.