Jahmai Jones, the Detroit Tigers' lefty-mashing specialist, had been biding his time all season. For 16 consecutive games, opposing teams sent right-handed starters to the mound, limiting his opportunities to showcase the .970 OPS he posted against southpaws last year. His moment finally arrived with the Kansas City Royals in town and left-hander Cole Ragans scheduled to start—only for a cruel twist of fate to intervene.

A stomach virus that swept through the clubhouse in Minnesota finally caught up to Jones, forcing him out of his long-awaited start. Manager A.J. Hinch had penciled him into the leadoff spot in right field, but was notified Monday morning that Jones wasn't feeling well after a rough 24 hours. "He waited six days for a left-handed starter and he came up sick today," Hinch said, encapsulating the frustrating timing.

In his place, Gleyber Torres was moved to the leadoff spot as the designated hitter, while switch-hitter Wenceel Perez took over in right field. The good news for Jones and the Tigers? Another opportunity is just around the corner. The Royals have another lefty, Kris Bubic, slated to start the series finale on Thursday, giving Jones a quick chance at redemption.

On the mound for Wednesday's matchup, the Tigers will send right-hander Jack Flaherty (0-1, 5.14 ERA) to the bump. He's coming off his strongest outing of the young season, holding a hot Twins lineup to one run over 5.2 innings. He'll face Royals righty Seth Lugo (1-1, 1.53 ERA), who has been dominant early, holding right-handed hitters to a meager 1-for-20 and baffling hitters with his deep, nine-pitch arsenal. First pitch from Comerica Park is set for 6:40 p.m.