The American League Division Series between the Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners heads to Comerica Park tied 1–1, with Tuesday afternoon’s Game 3 looming large. Both teams split a pair of tight games in Seattle — Detroit taking the opener in 11 innings, and the Mariners responding with a 3–2 win behind Julio Rodríguez’s go-ahead double in Game 2.
The Tigers turn to Jack Flaherty (8–15, 4.64 ERA) for the pivotal matchup, while Seattle counters with Logan Gilbert (6–4, 3.44). Flaherty has postseason experience but has struggled with home runs this year, something Seattle’s lineup — led by Rodríguez and Jorge Polanco — could exploit. Gilbert, meanwhile, has been steady but will face a Detroit offense that’s shown late-game resilience throughout the postseason.
Detroit’s offense will again center on Riley Greene, Spencer Torkelson, and Kerry Carpenter, while Gleyber Torres and Colt Keith aim to provide depth against Seattle’s right-handed pitching. The Mariners may be without Josh Naylor, who stayed behind for the birth of his child, forcing lineup shuffles that could push Eugenio Suárez to first base.
Both bullpens have been heavily used — Seattle closer Andrés Muñoz and Detroit’s Kyle Finnegan could each see extended work if the game stays tight, as the first two did.
With the series even, Game 3 is a swing point: since 1995, teams winning Game 3 in a 1–1 ALDS have gone on to take the series nearly two-thirds of the time. Home-field energy at Comerica Park may give Detroit a slight edge, but expect another tense, low-scoring duel as both clubs fight for control of the series.
Notes:
- The Tigers are playing their first home game since September 21.
- The Tigers haven’t won at home since September 6.
