DONTRELLE IN TOLEDO: Detroit Tiger's starting pitcher Dontrelle Willis will be making a rehab start with the Triple A Toledo Mud Hens tonight at 5/3 Field in Toledo. Willis hyperextended his knee on April 11. He will also be making a start for the Hens later in their homestand. I'll update this blog tomarrow with the results of tonights game against the Rochester Red Wings. UPDATE: Willis took the loss for the Hens last night, pitching 4.2 innings while giving up 4 hits, 2 ER, and striking out 4.

RED HOT MUD HENS: Toledo is 17-9 so far this season, and is in first place of the International League's West Division, 1.5 games ahead of Louiville.

Third baseman Mike Hessman and first baseban Jeff Larish are tops in the IL in homers and RBI's. Hessman has hit 8 homers for 21 RBI's, while Larish's stats are 7 dingers for 20. As a team, the Mud Hens lead the IL in homers with 38 and runs scored with 134. They are third in the league in batting average with .268.  

RHP Blaine Neal is leading the IL in saves with 9. He has made good on all 9 of his save opportunities and has only allowed one ER in 11 innings pitched. RHP Eddie Bonine is 5-0 so far this season with a 3.06 ERA, and is leading the IL in wins.

Defensively, the Mud Hens are playing solidly, too. They own a .986 fielding percentage which is the best in Triple A baseball. They have only commited 13 errors on 945 total chances.

OTHER DETROIT AFFILIATES:

Erie Seawolves: 14-11/second place Eastern League Southern Div.

Lakeland Flying Tigers: 12-15/fifth place Florida State League West Div.

West Michigan Whitecaps: 15-10/first place Midwest League East Div.