The Detroit Tigers are set to face the Cleveland Guardians in Game 1 of the American League Division Series (ALDS) on Saturday, after sweeping the Houston Astros in the wild-card round. Cleveland, who earned a bye as a top-two finisher in the AL, will host the first two games of the best-of-five series at Progressive Field.
Detroit is continuing its strategy of “pitching chaos,” starting left-hander Tyler Holton for the second straight game. Holton, who was pulled after one inning in Game 2 against Houston, was part of a seven-pitcher effort that helped the Tigers advance. Cleveland, meanwhile, will rely on ace Tanner Bibee, who finished the 2024 season with a 12-8 record and a 3.47 ERA.
The series will begin with two games in Cleveland, followed by Games 3 and 4 (if needed) in Detroit. If necessary, a decisive Game 5 will take place back in Cleveland. The winner will move on to the ALCS to face either the New York Yankees or Kansas City Royals.
First pitch for Game 1 is set for 1:08 p.m. and will be broadcast on TBS and TruTV. Streaming is available on Sling TV. The Guardians are favored at -150, while the Tigers are the +125 underdogs for Game 1.