"There are a couple of my old teammates there, one of my ex-managers is managing," Helling said, referring to ex-Texas Rangers like Ivan Rodriguez and Craig Monroe and former Florida Marlins manager Jim Leyland. "Knowing the guys that I know over there, and Leyland, I'm guessing their clubhouse is a lot like ours. Leyland wouldn't have guys on the team if they don't play the right way."
Helling, sidelined since the second week of April because of a right elbow injury, will be activated from the 60-day disabled list in time to make his first start of the season on Tuesday against Tigers right-hander Zach Minor in Game 2 of an Interleague series.
The 35-year-old Helling will have to be particularly careful with "Pudge" Rodriguez, his former catcher in Texas, who caught Helling in parts of every season from 1994-2001.
"He's caught as many of my games of mine than anybody else," Helling said. "Probably twice as many. Pudge is going to know what I'm throwing at him."
Helling was a pleasant surprise for the Brewers last season, going 3-1 with a 2.39 ERA after a midseason callup, including a 2-1 record with a 1.69 ERA in six September starts. He did not allow a run in either of his 2006 relief appearances before he suffered a sprained ligament in his right elbow.
Pitching matchup
MIL: RHP Rick Helling (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
Helling spent much of his career in the American League and is 8-5 with a 4.81 ERA in 15 career starts against Detroit.
DET: RHP Zach Miner (2-1, 2.65 ERA)
Miner threw 32 pitches in the first inning of his third career start on Thursday against Tampa Bay before settling down.
Player to watch
Prince Fielder's seventh-inning home run on Monday extended his hitting streak to eight games, and he leads National League rookies in home runs, extra-base hits and slugging percentage. Fielder's 14 home runs this season rank third on the team behind Carlos Lee and Bill Hall.