Tigers shuffle lineup vs left-handed Guardians starter in must-win ALDS Game 2

Detroit Tigers DH Justyn-Henry Malloy
Detroit Tigers DH Justyn-Henry Malloy | Nic Antaya/GettyImages

The Detroit Tigers head back to Progressive Field on Monday in what amounts to a must-win game against the Cleveland Guardians. The Tigers were run off the field rather quickly during Game 1 on Saturday, but the hope is that things will be quite different with Tarik Skubal taking the mound for Detroit in Game 2.

Skubal has been the most dominant pitcher in the American League this season and is looking to continue his hot streak against the Guardians. Skubal allowed just four hits over six innings in his MLB Postseason debut against the Houston Astros last week, and Tigers fans are hoping for a similar performance on Monday.

Justyn-Henry Malloy bats leadoff for Tigers in ALCS Game 2 vs Guardians

With a left-hander on the hill for the Guardians, Tigers manager AJ Hinch has loaded up on right-handed bats. Parker Meadows led off Game 1 on Saturday, but rookie outfielder Justyn-Henry Malloy will be the first hitter to step into the batter's box against former Tigers' pitcher Matthew Boyd.

Matt Vierling will be bumped up from No. 3 in the lineup to No. 2 and followed by AL Wild Card Series hero Andy Ibañez. Riley Greene is in typical spot playing left field and batting cleanup. The Tigers All-Star will be followed by Wenceel Perez, Spencer Torkelson, and Meadows. Jake Rogers will be hanging the signs for Skubal, and Trey Sweeney will bat ninth.

The Tigers needs their bats to wake up. On Saturday, Detroit went scoreless with Cleveland starter Tanner Bibee on the hill for the Guardians. Boyd has started eight games for the Guardians this season and owns a 2.72 ERA. The southpaw hasn't toed the rubber since Sept. 21, so perhaps the Tigers can jump on him early as he tries to shake off the rust that comes with a 15-day layoff.

The Tigers cannot afford to go 0-2 with Skubal pitching today. Detroit has been a scrappy team all season, and Tigers fans need to see some of that grit as they look to claw their way back into the ALDS and secure home-field advantage.

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