Tigers reveal risky ALDS pitching plan as Reese Olson update changes approach

It wouldn't be a Detroit Tigers game without a little bit of pitching chaos, and that's exactly what we're going to get in Game 1 of the ALDS.

Manager AJ Hinch told reporters Friday (including Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press) that right-hander Troy Melton will get the starting nod Saturday against the Seattle Mariners. While he isn't expected to get the workload of a traditional starter, Melton will kick off what is likely to be a bullpen game for Detroit against the AL West division champions.

During his rookie season in 2025, Melton posted a 2.76 ERA with 15 walks and 36 strikeouts across 4 2/3 innings in 16 games (five starts). The 24-year-old began the season in Double-A Erie before advancing to Triple-A Toledo and making his MLB debut in late July.

Melton's most recent appearance is one that he – and most Tigers fans – would probably like to forget. He pitched out of the bullpen in Game 2 of the AL Wild Card series against the Cleveland Guardians, giving up four runs in what ended up being a 6-1 Tigers loss.

Reese Olson remains non-option for Tigers ALDS rotation

Melton has never pitched against the Mariners. That, combined with his disastrous outing against Cleveland on Wednesday, is likely to make Tigers fans twitch at the thought of him starting against Seattle. However, he might be their best available option, with their three true starters unavailable to pitch on short rest.

For now, it looks like the Tigers will be limited to a three-man rotation of Tarik Skubal, Casey Mize and Jack Flaherty for the ALDS. There remains an outside chance that right-hander Reese Olson could be activated off the injured list at some point during the postseason, but it won't be for this series (and it probably won't even be as a starter).

As of last week, Olson is working on throwing progression, but not yet throwing bullpen sessions and "not close to competition" after receiving a platelet-rich plasma injection in his shoulder in early August. At best, he might contribute later in the World Series (if the Tigers make it) in a limited capacity, but the Tigers can’t count on that. Their playoff trajectory will more likely hinge on how well their healthy rotation and bullpen perform in his absence.