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(Sports Network) - The Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Indians began the season with high expectations, but now the two teams are battling to stay out of the basement in the AL Central and will collide in the second test of a four-game series this afternoon at Comerica Park.

Since being called up from Triple-A Buffalo, southpaw Aaron Laffey has been one of the few bright spots for the struggling Indians. However, the last time Laffey took the hill, he was battered by the Rangers, surrendering eight runs on 11 hits in five innings of work. Despite the lackluster effort the 23-year- old did not suffer the loss in the 13-9 decision.

Although it was not Laffey's best showing, the youngster is still 3-3 on the year and has a strong 3.02 ERA. Unfortunately, Laffey has not had much success on the road this season, allowing 10 runs on 17 hits in just 12 innings of duty.

Taking the mound for Detroit will be the crafty left-handed veteran, Kenny Rogers. Over his last 10 starts, the 43-year-old has collected a 4-2 record. Earlier this week, Rogers tossed a gem against Oakland, limiting the A's to just two runs on six hits in seven innings. Despite the solid performance the Tigers were unable to grab a win, and fell to Oakland by a 3-2 margin. However, Rogers did not factor in the decision.

Rogers has not performed at a high level this season at home. Although the southpaw is 2-1 at Comerica Park, he possesses a terrible ERA of 6.10.

Throughout his career, Rogers is no stranger to Cleveland and in 57 appearances (34 starts), he is a mediocre 17-16 and has an ERA of 5.12.

Last night, Paul Byrd pitched seven innings of two-run ball as the Indians defeated the Tigers, 4-2.

Byrd (3-5) was charged with just four hits and had two strikeouts to pick up the 100th win of his career while Casey Blake had a two-run double for the Indians, who have won two of their last three games.

Jeff Larish and Brandon Inge each had a solo home run for the Tigers, who have dropped their last four games. Justin Verlander (2-9) was tagged with the loss as he gave up three runs on five hits in seven innings of work.

Masa Kobayashi retired the Tigers in order in the eighth and Joe Borowski worked around a one-out single in the ninth to pick up his fifth save of the season.

Cleveland has won seven of its last eight games against Detroit.

These teams split a two-game set at Cleveland's Progressive Field back in April. The Indians won 12 of 18 matchups with the Tigers en route to the 2007 AL Central title, including six of nine tilts in the Motor City.

Since 2005, Cleveland has compiled a 17-11 record at Comerica Park.