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.

Colt Keith is on the injured list with right rib cage inflammation (intercostal strain) and will miss the Tigers’ remaining regular-season games, with a postseason return uncertain. Detroit has eight games left; the wild-card series starts Sept. 30, and the ALDS on Oct. 4. Keith hopes to ramp back with inflammation down and rehab steps like swinging and running to gauge playoff availability, while Ibáñez, Jung, McKinstry and Sweeney share third-base duties.

Matt Vierling has missed most of 2025 due to multiple injuries (shoulder, left oblique) and is aiming to be ready within two weeks to be ALDS-eligible. He’s rehabbed with running and throwing drills but isn’t swinging yet. His potential return would boost Tigers’ depth and versatility, affecting late-season at-bats and playoff rotation for outfield and bench spots.

Detroit’s September roster push centers on bullpen depth and a couple of strategic call-ups as the 40-man deadline looms. Expect Alex Lange and Sawyer Gipson-Long to mix into the relief corps, with Parker Meadows likely back soon to bolster the outfield. On the position-player side, Hao-Yu Lee and Justyn-Henry Malloy could get a look, along with Jace Jung, as the Tigers balance pinch-hit upside and defensive versatility. Beua Brieske’s 60-day IL status could ease a 40-man squeeze for September options and potential postseason roster moves.

Detroit’s farm system rode a solid Thursday, with Erie SeaWolves rolling to a 10-2 win in New Hampshire while Toledo dipped to 5-4 against St. Paul in Urquidy’s rehab start. Urquidy showed 92-93 mph velocity but command lagged, triggering a midgame delay and a short outing. Jace Jung and Trei Cruz sparked late offense for the Mud Hens, Valencia knocked in three on a homer, and Sawyer Gipson-Long offered 3 clean innings for the SeaWolves. The Whitecaps and Loons squeezed out wins in tight games, keeping the pipeline humming for Detroit.

The Tigers’ depth chart shined through a mix of contact and power—Jung and Cruz chipped in, Malloy swiped a bag and scored in a tense tie, while Valencia’s multi-RBI showing underscored a flexible, streaky lineup. With Urquidy’s return nearing, Detroit can project bullpen and rotation depth, especially as the SeaWolves, Whitecaps, and Loons push toward late-season form. The system’s blend of offense and pitching continues to offer intriguing dynasty and keeper appeal.

Greene’s Aug. 8 rehab outing for Louisville provided a clear data point as Cincinnati weighs his next move. He worked 5 1/3 innings, throwing 79 pitches, allowing five runs on two hits with three walks and seven punch-outs. Two homers—one by Jace Jung and another by Justyn-Henry Malloy—kept the box score honest, and Greene used an automated strike-zone to challenge his first pitch. The Reds are tracking his workload toward a possible big-league return, with 85 pitches as a target and the NL Wild Card race lurking in the background.

Cincinnati is juggling Greene’s timeline with Nick Lodolo on the injured list and Nick Martinez transitioning to a swingman role. Zack Littell’s addition gives the bullpen a touch more depth, while rookie Chase Burns could surface in relief as the calendar turns. If Greene and Lodolo are back, Cincinnati could lean on a strengthened rotation and a deeper bullpen down the stretch, reshaping fantasy playoff outlooks.