CLEVELAND -- Gavin Williams ’ breakout this summer was one of the most important developments for the Guardians on their path to reaching the postseason. Now, the 26-year-old will lead Cleveland as it opens its journey on baseball’s biggest stage.

The Guardians named Williams their Game 1 starter for the American League Wild Card Series on Monday, lining him up to face Tigers ace Tarik Skubal in the opener on Tuesday at Progressive Field.

The Tigers are a familiar foe for Williams. His final two starts this season were against Detroit, and he allowed two runs over 11 innings with 21 strikeouts, in a pair of Cleveland wins.

In his third big league season, Williams made 31 starts and recorded a 3.06 ERA and 173 strikeouts in 167 2/3 innings, each of which are new career bests. He took

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