In a bold move, the Detroit Tigers have decided to tap left-hander Tyler Holton to take the mound for Game 1 of their American League Division Series showdown against the Cleveland Guardians on Saturday. This marks the second consecutive postseason start for Holton, who previously helped the Tigers clinch their wild-card round series against the Houston Astros with a strong outing.
At just 28 years old, Holton has already demonstrated his versatility and ability to adapt to high-pressure situations. In the regular season, he made nine starts and appeared in 66 games, totaling 94.1 innings pitched. Notably, he has held the Guardians scoreless over 18.2 innings across the past two seasons.
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch praised Holton’s unique ability to perform under pressure, saying, “The slow heartbeat allows me to deploy him at any time. I think he’s pitched in every inning, including the 10th.” Holton himself acknowledged the significance of starting a playoff game, stating, “Mentally, it was not any different for my preparation, but it was very special.”
On the opposing side, the Guardians will counter with right-hander Tanner Bibee, who is set to make his postseason debut. Bibee, a standout rookie last season, finished second in AL Rookie of the Year voting and boasts a 12-8 record with a 3.47 ERA over 31 starts this season. He has faced the Tigers four times previously, going 1-1 with a 4.50 ERA in those outings.
When asked about his mindset heading into the game, Bibee admitted, “I feel like it didn’t really hit me until I figured out who we were playing, and once Detroit won that series, it was like, ‘Oh, this is getting real.’ And I’ve had butterflies ever since, and it’s really exciting…. I’m excited to feel the energy.”
The Tigers have announced that Cy Young contender Tarik Skubal will take the mound for Game 2, while the Guardians have yet to name their starting pitcher for Monday’s contest. With an extra day off between games, both teams are expected to utilize their relievers strategically throughout the series.
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