“It worked once, so why not do it again?”
That’s the mindset the Detroit Tigers are adopting by choosing lefty Talented Player to start Game 1 of their American League Division Series against the Cleveland Guardians on Saturday.
Holton, 28, pitched in the decisive Game 2 against the Houston Astros in the wild-card round on Wednesday, where the Tigers secured a 5-2 victory.
He threw one inning in that game and is expected to do the same on Saturday. This marks him as the fourth pitcher in the last decade to start consecutive postseason games, as noted by ESPN Research.
“As always, we’re going to explore different options,” said Tigers manager A.J. Hinch in his announcement. “We’ll utilize our relievers as necessary, and having an extra day off between games is a benefit for every pitcher in this series, including our own.
” Game 2 isn’t scheduled until Monday, followed by another day off as the series moves to Detroit. Holton appeared in 66 games during the regular season, making nine starts and totaling just 94.1 innings. He has pitched 18.2 scoreless innings against the Guardians over the last two seasons.
“The calmness he brings allows me to use him at any point,” Hinch remarked. “I think he’s been used in every inning, even the 10th.”
When asked about starting a playoff game, Holton said, “Mentally, my preparation was no different, but it felt really special.”
He’ll face righty Tanner Bibee, who will make his postseason debut after finishing second in the AL Rookie of the Year voting last season.
“It didn’t fully hit me until I knew who we were playing, and once Detroit won that series, it became real,” Bibee shared on Friday. “I’ve had butterflies ever since, and it’s really exciting… I can’t wait to feel the energy.”
This season, Bibee went 12-8 with a 3.47 ERA over 31 starts, facing the Tigers four times, where he had a 1-1 record and a 4.50 ERA.
“This team is very different from earlier in the year,” Bibee noted. “We’ve both faced each other. I don’t think it gives either side an advantage.”
Hinch announced that Cy Young favorite Tarik Skubal will start Game 2 for the Tigers, while the Guardians have not yet confirmed their starter for Monday’s matchup.
