Ohtani Set to Make History in ALDS Game 1, Tigers Face Uphill Battle
Shohei Ohtani will become the first player in over a century to both pitch and bat in a postseason game when the Los Angeles Dodgers face an opponent in Game 1 of the American League Divisional Series. The last player to pitch and hit in a postseason game prior to Ohtani was reliever Kendall Graveman, who struck out in the ninth inning of Game 5 of the 2021 World Series. Ohtani, having not reached the playoffs with the Angels and missing last October’s postseason due to pitching status, now has the chance to lead his team as both starting pitcher and leadoff hitter.
Elsewhere in the ALDS,the detroit Tigers face a challenge in their series against the Seattle Mariners. With Tarik Skubal unavailable to start Game 1 due to pitching on three days’ rest following the Wild Card Series, Troy Melton will open for Detroit against Seattle’s George Kirby.
Detroit’s postseason strategy appears heavily reliant on Skubal, possibly opening both Game 2 and Game 5 with full rest, given the travel schedule between Detroit and Seattle. While the Tigers won only one of Skubal’s regular season starts in September, success in his outings represents their clearest path to advancement.
Despite potential Skubal victories, Detroit will need to win at least one of the other three games in the series. Facing fatigue from a recent series in Cleveland and a lack of home games as September 21, Game 1 presents a particularly difficult opportunity. The Tigers have already utilized post-season caliber starters Casey Mize and Jack flaherty in the Wild Card Series. A win on Saturday, however, would significantly shift the series dynamic in Detroit’s favor.
SDLA GAME 1: Tigers vs. Mariners
Time: 8:30 PM ET
TV: FS1, Fox
