AJ Hinch's playoff pitching plan for Tigers is exactly what fans were hoping for

For the first time in a decade, the Detroit Tigers will be playing baseball games in October.

It still feels impossible, and yet, it's still true. The Tigers had plenty of factors working against them this season, not the least of which was an injury-depleted pitching rotation, but an historic comeback fueled by a late-season push saw them beat the odds and clinch an American League Wild Card berth.

Now, the Tigers are set to face the Houston Astros in the best-of-three AL Wild Card series beginning Tuesday. Both teams overcame rough starts to their respective seasons to do the improbable and reach the playoffs. Tigers manager AJ Hinch will be facing his former team while Astros pitcher Justin Verlander will be squaring off against his. It feels beautifully scripted.

But let's go back to the Tigers' injury-depleted pitching rotation for a second. Yes, Tarik Skubal is one of the best pitchers in baseball and a bonafide ace. He's the obvious choice to start Game 1 on Tuesday. Keider Montero is an option for Game 2 on Wednesday, but while has seen his share of success this season, consistency remains a concern.

For Game 3 (if necessary), that leaves Reese Olson, who has only just recently returned from the injured list after missing almost two months with a right shoulder strain. In his most recent start against the Tampa Bay Rays, he lasted just four innings and 72 pitches. You'd like those numbers to be a little higher for one of your top-of-the-rotation starters in the postseason.

AJ Hinch revealing playoff pitching plan is exactly what Tigers fans were hoping for

When asked on Monday about his pitching plan for the AL Wild Card series, Hinch provided some clarity. Well, sort of.

Well. Okay, then.

If we were to decipher Hinch's statement, it would likely boil down to something along the lines of, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." The Tigers have relied on their motley crew of arms to get them this far; why change things up now?

This also means that we should expect to see the Tigers rely more heavily on their bullpen – which now includes the likes of Casey Mize, who can be a volume reliever, and top pitching prospect Jackson Jobe – to carry a lot of the pitching load. And, quite frankly, there are far worse situations to be in.

Chaos, you say? Bring it on. These Gritty Tigers are built on it.

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