Seattle edged Detroit in a 15-inning ALDS classic as Jorge Polanco delivered a walk-off single to send the Mariners to the ALCS against Toronto. Tarik Skubal dazzled for Detroit with a postseason-record 13 strikeouts in six innings of one-run ball, but he exited after 99 pitches and the Tigers’ bullpen couldn’t hold the lead. Seattle’s bullpen and timely late offense prevailed in extras, capping a dramatic elimination game for Detroit.

Casey Mize finally seizes a postseason moment for Detroit, riding a velocity surge to a pivotal start. He’s leaned on a refined two-pitch mix—slurve and harder slider—plus a sharper splitter that’s finally drawing whiffs. His last five outings have yielded a 28.1% K rate with a dream-like 3.5% walk rate in September, signaling a breakout path as the Tigers chase the ALDS.

The matchup against Cleveland centers on Mize’s command and the Tigers’ run support. If he can command the zone and navigate the Guardians’ lineup with his fastball into early-count pressure, Detroit’s rotation looks dangerous in a short series. Offense and bullpen restraint will decide this mini-series.

Detroit clinched a 2025 postseason berth with a 2-1 win at Fenway, riding timely hits and a game-saving dive by Javier Báez as Tarik Skubal prepares to start Game 1 of the wild-card series. The bullpen, paced by Keider Montero and Rafael Montero, delivered 4⅔ innings of scoreless relief, sealing the win for a club that stressed staying focused on the path ahead.

Leadership from A.J. Hinch, Scott Harris, and owner Christopher Ilitch framed the moment as a clean slate after a roller-coaster finish, with the “sum-of-the-parts” approach paying off. The Tigers advance with momentum and a roster built to thrive in a short series, ready to attack Game 1 with 0-0 stakes.