A solid left-handed starter is always useful in an MLB rotation, and two of the best will go head-to-head on Friday when the Seattle Mariners host the Detroit Tigers at Safeco Field in the second of a four-game American League series.

Detroit Tigers at Seattle Mariners – 4:10 PM ET
43-year-old Kenny Rogers (6-5, 4.59) has won two of his last three starts after a string of no-decisions, as he allowed three runs on eight hits over six innings to lead the Tigers to a 4-3 victory at home over Colorado. Rogers, who is now in his 20th year in the major leagues, bounced back from a poor outing against St. Louis to earn the 216th win of his long career. The five-time Gold Glover already has a win over the Mariners this season, giving up four runs on eight hits, including a pair of homers, over 5 1/3 innings as the Tigers rolled to a 9-4 victory at home.

Erik Bedard (5-4, 3.79) came away with the win in a 9-2 rout at San Diego, scattering a run on three hits over 5 2/3 innings. Bedard had to leave his last start early in a 10-2 win at Atlanta, as the 29-year-old lefty was suffering from back spasms. It has been a frustrating year for Bedard, who was acquired with much fanfare from Baltimore in the offseason, but he has struggled with various ailments since joining the Mariners. However, he has allowed only four earned runs in his last 19 2/3 innings, and he has not given up a homer since May 23rd, a span of six starts. Bedard has not faced the Tigers since 2005 as an Oriole, when he was shelled for eight runs on nine hits in just 4 2/3 innings of a 13-3 loss in Baltimore.

Coming into Thursday's series opener, the Tigers had taken five of six from the Mariners this season, including two of three in Seattle. Bedard is pitching well recently, but he always seems to be one pitch away from another injury, whereas the older Rogers is not slowing down after 20 years in the majors.

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