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Rain postpones Tigers-Royals finale in Detroit

DETROIT -- The series finale between the Tigers and Royals, scheduled for Thursday afternoon, has been postponed because of rain.

Forecasts called for temperatures in the upper 30s and rain persisting throughout the afternoon and evening.

The team later announced a make-up time of 1:08 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, a mutual off-day following a three-game set at Comerica Park. Tickets for the postponed game can be used for the makeup game; no exchange is necessary.

Detroit right-hander Anibal Sanchez had been slated to see his first live MLB action since March 12. Weather caused him to miss several scheduled starts at the close of Spring Training, including the final exhibition in Washington against the Nationals that was canceled.

Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said in his pregame availability Thursday that Sanchez would make the team's next start.

"I think the bigger concern is we don't want to be in a situation where Sanchie goes out there, throws two innings and then all of a sudden we get rained out. For us, that would be the worst-case scenario," Ausmus said.

Ace Justin Verlander will pitch Sunday. Rick Porcello was named the starter for Saturday's game.

Detroit won both of the series' games in walk-off fashion and welcomes the Orioles on Friday for a 1:08 p.m. ET start.

Matt Slovin is an associate reporter for MLB.com.
Read More: Detroit Tigers, Anibal Sanchez