Right out of the gate, Game 1 of the ALDS didn't go the Detroit Tigers' way as the ace of the bullpen, Tyler Holton, was blitzed by Guardians leadoff man Steven Kwan for a near-homer in the bottom of the first inning.

The double off the wall jumpstarted a five-run inning for the Guardians and the Tigers never got back on track as the Guardians took advantage of the aggressive Tigers hitters, winning 7-0.

The good news for the Tigers? They should have the perfect answer for getting the series going their way again: Tarik Skubal.

INSIDER: Missed strike cost Tigers in Game 1. But they beat themselves on their own, too

Skubal, the presumptive American League Cy Young winner, is set to pitch for the Tigers in a massive game in Cleveland on Monday.

Skubal should be fresh after five full days off, last pitching Tuesday in the Tigers' 3-1 win over the Astros in Game 1 of the wild-card series.

The Tigers will need Skubal to be his absolute best after an uncompetitive Game 1 feels like it has tilted momentum in favor of the Guardians.

GAME STORY: Detroit Tigers punched in face by Guardians in 7-0 beatdown in Game 1 of ALDS

On the other side, the Guardians plan to roll with former Tigers No. 1 starter Matthew Boyd, who's in his first year with the Guardians. Boyd had to undergo Tommy John surgery early in the 2023 season after getting hurt with the Tigers and didn't return until Aug. 13 of this year.

Boyd made eight starts in the regular season and looked good, posting a 2-2 record with a 2.72 ERA in his appearances with Cleveland.

The Tigers and Guardians will have Sunday off before playing again at 4:08 p.m. Monday on TBS. Game 3 will bring the squads back to Detroit for the lone guaranteed game at Comerica Park. If the Tigers win Monday or Wednesday, the teams will be back on the Comerica Park diamond Thursday at 6:08 p.m. for Game 4 (on TNT).

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Tigers vs Guardians Game 2 pitchers ALDS: Tarik Skubal vs Matthew Boyd