SEATTLE — Ace lefty Tarik Skubal will start Game 2 of the American League Division Series against the Seattle Mariners on Sunday.
That’s good news for the Detroit Tigers.
Just as important, he would also be lined up to pitch a decisive Game 5 if the series advances to a final game. For whatever the Tigers’ flaws, the chance to have Skubal start 40 percent of the series is a notable advantage.
The Tigers announced Friday that rookie Troy Melton will start Game 1 on Saturday night in Seattle at 8:38 p.m. ET, followed by Skubal in Game 2 on Sunday.
The Tigers will return home for the first playoff game at Comerica Park on Tuesday. Game 3 starts at 4:08 p.m.
“I let Troy know on the plane last night that he was going to start, and we’re excited to hand him the ball,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “He’s got plus stuff, great demeanor, and the ability to handle what’s probably going to be the most excitable outing for him in a couple months’ worth of Major League outings.”
Melton, 24, made his MLB debut on July 23. While he’s primarily worked out of the bullpen, he did start and throw 3 2/3 innings against Cleveland on Sept. 25. He also pitched in Game 2 of the Wild Card Series, allowing four runs on three hits while recording just one out.
A California native and fourth-round pick in 2022 out of San Diego State, Melton rose quickly through the system. He didn’t debut at Triple-A Toledo until June but struck out 56 and walked just nine in 36 1/3 innings before earning his call-up.
“Honestly, if I could have drawn it up, that’s what I would be doing,” Melton said. “But it’s kind of cool to look back on it, how fast it has happened. When I started the year in (Class AA) Erie, I didn’t want to finish the year in Erie. So it’s much better to be here in Seattle starting a playoff game than whatever I would be doing right now.”
Skubal, meanwhile, is coming off a dominant performance in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series in Cleveland. He allowed one run on three hits — only one of which left the infield — over 7 2/3 innings, striking out a career-high 14. That tied the Tigers’ postseason record.
The Mariners will counter with right-handers George Kirby in Game 1 and Luis Castillo in Game 2, manager Dan Wilson announced Friday.
Roster watch
As for the ALDS roster, Hinch said the Tigers will stick with 14 position players and 12 pitchers, the same configuration they used in the Wild Card Series.
But there could be some new faces. Matt Vierling and Colt Keith, both on the injured list, have joined the club in Seattle. Left-handed reliever Bailey Horn, now eligible to return after his option period has expired, is also with the club, either as a member of the taxi squad or the bullpen.
“We don’t need to make a decision until 10 a.m. tomorrow (1 p.m. ET), and we’re likely to take as much time as we have allotted to us to make the final decision,” Hinch said.
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