Ken Blaze and Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
After defeating the Houston Astros in a two-game Wild Card sweep, the Detroit Tigers continue their magical season in the ALDS against the Cleveland Guardians. Cleveland won the AL Central title and finished just behind the Yankees for the top seed in the American League. The two teams are set to face off in the postseason for the first time in their history.
Both teams are young and exceeded expectations this season. The Tigers will need to strategize their pitching after using multiple pitchers in the Wild Card series. Tarik Skubal had a great start in Game 1, and the Tigers will look to keep the momentum going in the ALDS. Cleveland’s rotation took a hit when Shane Bieber was sidelined earlier in the year, but Tanner Bibee stepped up as the ace in his absence.
The series is predicted to be closely contested, with Detroit having an advantage if it goes to a fifth game. The Tigers will need to win Skubal’s starts and at least one of the other games to advance. On the other hand, the Guardians boast a strong bullpen, led by Emmanuel Clase, who had an outstanding season.
Jose Ramirez, a standout player for the Guardians, will be a key factor in the series. Despite his impressive regular season performance, Ramirez has struggled in past postseasons. Cleveland will look to him for leadership in the ALDS.
Overall, the matchup between the Tigers and Guardians promises to be an exciting and closely-fought contest in the American League Division Series.
