How the Tigers will create “pitching chaos” for the Astros in Game 2

HOUSTON – Tarik Skubal did his part for the Detroit Tigers, winning Game 1 of the American League Wild Card Series against the Houston Astros 3-1 on Tuesday.

Now prepare for chaos.

The Tigers plan to use left-hander Tyler Holton in Game 2 today at Minute Maid Park (2:32 p.m., ABC).

“I’m always available,” Holton said last week.

More: The Detroit Tigers’ win in Game 1 is a building block for the future – just like today

Holton was available in a pressure situation Tuesday night, facing Kyle Tucker with two outs. Holton threw two pitches and got Tucker to end the inning with a sweeper.

Then his work was done – and this short stint makes him available today when he starts for the tenth time of the season. If the Tigers win, they would advance to the American League Division Series to face the Cleveland Guardians.

To Holton? Tigers manager AJ Hinch plans to unleash what he called “pitching chaos.”

He could use any pitcher at any time, tried to be unpredictable and set up ideal matchups.

“Our ability to be audible and pivot has probably been our greatest strategic strength over the last two months,” Hinch said.

Rookie right-hander Reese Olson is expected to handle the majority of the innings for the Tigers. He missed nearly two months with a shoulder strain, returned on September 16 and has made three starts, pitching no more than four innings in each.

More: Tigers vs. Astros playoffs: time, TV channel, live stream for Game 2 of the wild card series

But playoff matchups count for far more than eating innings.

“The only thing I really know is that whenever AJ tells me to go on the mound, I will go,” Olson said. “So whenever that is, I’ll be ready for it.”

The Astros will counter with Detroit native and right-hander Hunter Brown (St. Clair Lakeview High School and Wayne State).

“Hunter started Game 2 a long time ago,” Houston manager Joe Espada said. “I just never told you that. He is one of the best starters in the game. He was one of the best pitchers in the second half. So for me it was a given.

Brown (11-9, 3.49 ERA) last pitched on September 23rd.

“What an opportunity,” Brown said. “We’ve been grinning all year and now our backs are against the wall again. Hopefully we can come out and give ourselves a good chance to win the game.”

Brown has played five times against the Tigers.

Hear: Dan Dickerson celebrates the Detroit Tigers’ win over the Astros in Game 1 of the Finals

The most notable, at least from his perspective, occurred on May 11 in Detroit, when he appeared in a relief appearance against the Tigers, pitching five innings, striking out seven, and allowing five hits and one earned run.

While it’s a great storyline – a Detroit native facing his hometown team – this performance in Detroit was great for Brown.

“That was probably a turning point for me at that time,” Brown said. “I was kind of struggling, and Joe and Josh had talked to me about coming out of the bullpen to maybe get a start in the season and maybe get me sorted out.”

Contact Jeff Seidel: [email protected]. Follow him on X @seideljeff. To read his latest columns, go to freep.com/sports/jeff-seidel.

How the Tigers will create “pitching chaos” for the Astros in Game 2

ByJasper

By Jasper

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