Tigers' Playoff Pitching Plan Post Hinch's Success

If you're a Detroit Tigers fan concerned about the postseason rotation beyond Tarik Skubal, Tigers manager A.J. Hinch has shown a glimpse of his strategy in recent games. He has not hesitated to pull starters early, indicating a deep bullpen for managing with urgency in October.

The Tigers' main worry could be their offense, with one of the highest strikeout rates in the majors. Their swing-and-miss tendencies have affected their baserunning proficiency. On the pitching side, Skubal's performance stands out, and Hinch is expected to utilize a strong bullpen approach in the postseason.

In the modern game, many teams heavily rely on their bullpens in October. Short starting pitcher outings have been a trend, with teams like the San Diego Padres, Toronto Blue Jays, and Los Angeles Dodgers showcasing strong relievers. The Tigers are likely to follow suit.

One of the Tigers' non-Skubal starters may transition to a bulk reliever role for the Division Series, depending on matchups. The team is also waiting for the return of potential bullpen assets José Urquidy and Paul Sewald, although their availability is uncertain.

Hinch has shown a willingness to use his bullpen early when needed. The Tigers have options for bulk-inning candidates and are working on strengthening their bullpen performance for the postseason challenge ahead. The team's success will depend on overcoming the lack of strikeouts from their relievers.

As the Tigers head into the postseason with a strong record, the focus will be on the overall performance of the pitching staff. The rotation behind Skubal will be a key discussion point, but the team's collective pitching strength will be crucial in the playoffs.