Detroit hands rookie Troy Melton the ball for Game 1 of the ALDS against Seattle, opting for a young arm over a rest-weary veteran plan. Melton debuted in July, logged 3-2 with a 2.76 ERA in 45 2/3 innings, and showed a 96.8 mph four-seam fastball with a heavy fastball usage that ranks high among the Tigers’ staff. His only playoff inning previously ended with four runs, but Detroit plans to ride him with support from a bullpen capable of covering early sections and a lineup that has built flexibility around him.

Melton’s path from fourth-round pick in 2022 to major-league starter in 2024 underscores Detroit’s risk-tavorable scouting, and his mix of power velo with slider and cutter gives him swing-and-miss upside even in a short outing. The Tigers will lean on his heater while monitoring leash length in Seattle’s ballpark, aiming to minimize exposure to the lineup that will clash with him in a do-or-die environment. Fantasy-wise, Melton is a contrarian dart with upside but limited inning expectation in a Game 1 environment.

Game 3 in Cleveland carries the winner take all weight as the Guardians try to ride momentum from a late rally. Key focus is converting runners in scoring position, leaning on a bullpen plan that handles Cecconi early and keeps Cantillo in ready mode, and starting Chase DeLauter to inject left handed power and defensive versatility. Rocchio and Naylor supplied the big blows while Kwan and Schneeman provided insurance doubles. Detroit staggered with RISP and left 15 on base, setting Cleveland up for the ALDS showdown with Seattle.

Brayan Rocchio delivered the clutch for Cleveland with an eighth-inning go-ahead homer on a 0-2 fastball, fueling a 6-1 win that evened the AL Wild Card Series with Detroit. Bo Naylor followed with an eighth-inning homer and George Valera also went deep, sparking a five-run burst to seize control. The Guardians bullpen locked it down as Cleveland capitalized on a frustrated Detroit with 15 runners left on base for the Tigers.

Game 3 looms as the decisive matchup in the best-of-three, with Detroit’s Jack Flaherty set to start against Cleveland’s Slade Cecconi. Detroit’s offense stranded runners all day (1-for-15 with RISP) and left a bases-loaded chance in the ninth, while Cleveland leaned on Rocchio’s playoff form and timely blasts to swing momentum in their favor.