SEATTLE -- The Seattle Mariners will start George Kirby and the Detroit Tigers will counter with rookie Troy Melton for Game 1 of their American League Division Series on Saturday. Luis Castillo will follow for the Mariners in Game 2 opposite Tigers ace Tarik Skubal , who would also be lined up to start a decisive Game 5 on normal rest.

The Tigers were slim on options heading into this series, with Skubal, Casey Mize and Jack Flaherty all starting in the wild-card series against the Cleveland Guardians earlier this week. The Mariners, coming off a bye, had at least four of their starting pitchers healthy and more than fully rested, but chose two pitchers who have been much better at home and have shined in previous playoff appearances.

Kirby and Castillo starting Games

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