Who is Detroit Tigers starting pitcher in Game 2 of playoff wild-card series vs. Astros?
The Detroit Tigers are in position to pull off an upset Tuesday over the Houston Astros in Game 1 of their American League wild-card series behind AL Cy Young favorite Tarik Skubal's dominant start.
But who the heck will pitch Wednesday in Game 2 at Minute Maid Park (2:32 p.m., ABC)?
Manager A.J. 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 trading Jack Flaherty at the deadline (in exchange for current playoff starting shortstop Trey Sweeney).
Rookie right-hander Reese Olson might be the favorite to start for the Tigers as they attempt to clinch a trip to Cleveland and the best-of-five ALDS, which starts Saturday. Olson, 25, is 4-8 with a 3.53 ERA but missed nearly two months with a shoulder strain. He returned Sept. 16 and has made three starts, pitching no more than four innings in each.
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If Olson does not start, he would certainly be among Hinch's top bulk reliever options to replace whoever opens the game (possibly do-everything lefty Tyler Holton).
The Astros have yet to name their Game 2 starter, but it likely is between Detroit native right-hander Hunter Brown (St. Clair Lakeview High School and Wayne State) and left-handed trade deadline acquisition Yusei Kikuchi. Both potential starters have lots of rest: Brown (11-9, 3.49 ERA) last pitched Sept. 23; Kikuchi (9-10, 4.05 ERA) hasn't pitched in a week.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Tigers starting pitcher vs Astros: Who goes in Game 2 of playoffs?
