DETROIT -- Facing elimination on Wednesday, would Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch be willing to play his ace?

Not a chance.

Tarik Skubal, who threw 97 pitches on Sunday in Seattle , will not be available out of the bullpen in Game 4 of the American League Division Series.

The Tigers face the Mariners at 3:08 p.m. at Comerica Park, trailing 2-1 in the best-of-five series. If they lose Wednesday, their season is over. If they win, they’ll play Game 5 on Friday in Seattle.

Even if Skubal were to be made available, it would likely only be for an inning or two -- essentially replacing his normal between-start bullpen session. But Hinch nixed that idea quickly.

“No, Tarik is going to start Game 5,” he said. “He’s done his normal prep to be prepared for an all-in Game 5.”

From the start

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