It's easy to think rookie right-hander Armando Galarraga is just a one-time wonder who probably will cave in to the pressure that comes with August and September.

But maybe he won't.

While Galarraga is a rookie, he's not some callow youth fresh out of high school or college who is making the leap to the majors after just a season or two of minor league ball.

Galarraga is 26, and he's been toughened by two seasons of dealing with the aftereffects of Tommy John surgery. Plus he's pitched mostly in the minors since 1999.

He's passed the tests of going around the league, facing opponents for the second time and dealing with teams that have read the scouting reports and filled their lineups with left-handed hitters.

Kansas City put five lefties up against Galarraga on Wednesday -- and he limited them to 2-for-13.

"He's still got to get over a hump," manager Jim Leyland said before Galarraga pitched. "I certainly think he's done one tremendous job. He still has a couple of hurdles to clear."

His slider was dominating; it looked more like a sharp curve than a slider.

His demeanor on the mound is "locked in." He seldom shows emotion when working and works well with both of Detroit's catchers, Ivan Rodriguez and Brandon Inge.

"He was impressive. I thought he was going to use his sinker quite a bit and all of a sudden his slider started being his No. 1 pitch," Inge said. "He started spotting that slider on any count he wanted. That's very dangerous when he can throw it for a strike at any time.

"He kept his composure, didn't care about anything and just went out there and hit the mitt."

Galarraga is now 8-4, by far the best record among Detroit starters. He could make a big difference for the Tigers in August and September, if he doesn't rattle.

TIGERS 7, ROYALS 1: RHP Armando Galarraga retired the first 18 Kansas City batters Wednesday, winding up with a three-hitter over the seven innings he worked. Galarraga struck out seven, walked one and had the Royals hitting the ball on the ground as he mixed his sinking fastball with his two varieties of sliders. 1B Miguel Cabrera had a two-run single and an RBI single, RF Magglio Ordonez also drove in two runs with a single to right and a base hit to left, and 3B Carlos Guillen also had an RBI single. 2B Placido Polanco scored from third on a strikeout when Ordonez stopped shy of second to avoid being tagged out on a steal attempt.

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