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Who will be in Game 2 of the playoffs?

Vaseline October 1, 2024

The Detroit Tigers pulled off an upset over the Houston Astros on Tuesday in Game 1 of their American League wild-card series behind the dominant start from AL Cy Young favorite Tarik Skubal.

But who on earth will pitch in a potential series-deciding Game 2 at Minute Maid Park on Wednesday (2:32 p.m., ABC)?

Manager AJ Hinch and the Tigers have employed a pitching strategy of openers and bulk relievers since August due to a starting rotation decimated by injuries, underperformance and the trade of Jack Flaherty at the deadline (in exchange for current playoff starting shortstop Trey Sweeney).

Rookie right-hander Reese Olson could be the favorite to start for the Tigers as they try to book a trip to Cleveland and the best-of-five ALDS, which begins Saturday. Olson, 25, is 4-8 with a 3.53 ERA but missed nearly two months with a shoulder injury. He returned on September 16 and made three starts, pitching no more than four innings in each.

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If Olson doesn’t start, he would certainly be among Hinch’s top bulk relievers to replace whoever opens the game (possibly doing it all, lefty Tyler Holton).

The Astros have yet to name their Game 2 starter, but it will likely be between Detroit-born right-hander Hunter Brown (St. Clair Lakeview High School and Wayne State) and left-handed trade deadline acquisition Yusei Kikuchi. Both potential starters are rested a lot: Brown (11-9, 3.49 ERA) last pitched on September 23; Kikuchi (9-10, 4.05 ERA) hasn’t pitched in a week.

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