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.

Day of Aces chaos ruled the postseason bullpen picture. San Diego’s Mike Shildt turned to Mason Miller as a true weapon, unleashing him in back-to-back eighths to erase danger with velocity and a brutal slider. Detroit’s A.J. Hinch, short on swing-and-miss, overextended his bullpen, leaning on relievers with limited whiffs and paying for late damage in Cleveland. In sudden-death, bullpen depth and the right arms matter as much as starters.

Cleveland surged from a historic late-season hole to clinch the AL Central, riding a sharp late run and a pivotal three-game sweep of Detroit to secure both the season series and the tiebreaker. Detroit’s collapse, powered by an 8-16 September, opened the door for Cleveland’s second straight title as José Ramírez led the charge with a near-6 WAR season, aided by Steven Kwan, Gavin Williams, and Daniel Schneemann. Off-field intrigue surfaced as Luis L. Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase were placed on administrative leave while MLB investigates gambling-related questions. The Guardians’ playoff bid begins with a Wild Card Series against the Tigers, a rematch that promises a high-contrast test of depth and discipline.

Key names litter the storyline: Ramírez’s bat and versatility, Kwan’s on-base prowess, Williams’ consistency, and Schneemann’s multi-positional value defined the stretch run. Cleveland leveraged one of the league’s easier schedules to stack wins and snatch control late, even as Shane Bieber was moved to Toronto for upside. The table is set for a quick, intriguing postseason sprint against Detroit.

Cleveland released Santana, clearing a logjam at first base, DH and right field. Schneemann returns from the paternity list to take Santana’s roster spot, easing a tight decision matrix for Vogt. With Manzardo, Fry, Kayfus and Jones in the mix, Cleveland can reallocate duties at corner spots and DH for the stretch run.

Santana’s $12 million salary remains with the Guardians as a sunk cost, while the club slides toward a clearer late-season plan and a potential playoff push. Colorado-like roster churn aside, Cleveland sits five games behind the AL third wild-card, hoping the reshuffle improves daily lineup efficiency and future flexibility.