Detroit Tigers Announce MLB Playoff Roster vs Guardians

The Detroit Tigers have set their postseason roster and are gearing up to face the Cleveland Guardians in the 2025 American League Wild Card Series.

Manager A.J. Hinch is rolling the dice with a mix of 14 position players and 12 pitchers. He’s hoping that Detroit’s veterans and rising stars can outplay Cleveland and earn a shot at the Seattle Mariners in the ALDS.

Some of the roster choices might raise eyebrows. The Tigers clearly want to match up against the Guardians’ lefty-heavy offense and trust their bullpen in tight spots.

Detroit’s 26-Man Roster Finalized

This playoff roster blends seasoned leaders with up-and-comers, giving Hinch options for just about any scenario. Every spot matters—Detroit hasn’t won a postseason series in what feels like forever.

Position Players: Depth & Versatility

The Tigers’ offense leans on versatility, with players ready to fill different roles as needed. Catching falls to Dillon Dingler and Jake Rogers, who offer solid defense and the occasional big swing.

Infielders include:

• Javier Báez – Steady glove, playoff savvy.
• Andy Ibáñez – Contact bat, can play all over.
• Zach McKinstry – Quick, flexible utility guy.
• Trey Sweeney – Rookie backup at short and third.
• Spencer Torkelson – Big bat at first, key to driving in runs.
• Gleyber Torres – Came over from the Yankees, brings postseason experience.

The outfield’s got a lot going on. Kerry Carpenter, Riley Greene, Jahmai Jones, Justyn-Henry Malloy, Parker Meadows, and Wenceel Pérez give Hinch a mix of power, speed, and handedness. He can play the matchups however he likes.

Pitching Staff Set for October Challenge

The Tigers are taking 12 pitchers, mostly right-handers, to counter Cleveland’s lineup. Still, they’ve kept enough lefties for when it matters.

Right-Handed Core & Late-Inning Arms

Nine righties headline the staff. Kyle Finnegan, Jack Flaherty, Tommy Kahnle, and Paul Sewald anchor the bullpen. Sewald, just back from a shoulder injury, came over from Cleveland at the deadline—kind of a twist.

Other right-handed arms like Troy Melton, Casey Mize, Keider Montero, Rafael Montero, and Will Vest round out the group. They’ll be leaned on for tough innings.

Strategic Use of Left-Handed Pitching

Even with Cleveland’s lefty bats, Detroit’s only carrying three southpaws: Tyler Holton, Brant Hurter, and Tarik Skubal. Hinch seems confident his righties can handle the job, saving the lefties for key moments.

Notable Omissions & Roster Decisions

Getting the balance right meant leaving some guys out. Right-handed relievers Chris Paddack and Tanner Rainey didn’t make the cut as the Tigers capped the staff at 12.

Brenan Hanifee is a notable omission—he had a 3.00 ERA this year, but postseason rules and some concerns about facing lefties kept him off the list.

Detroit’s faith in Paul Sewald says a lot about how much playoff experience matters when October rolls around.

Game One Showdown: Skubal vs. Williams

Game 1 is set: Tarik Skubal vs. Cleveland’s Gavin Williams. Skubal’s handled the Guardians lately, giving up just two earned runs over his last 12 innings against them.

If he stays hot, Detroit might just get the jump they need in this series.

Path to the ALDS

The series uses a best-of-three format. Momentum can swing fast.

Whoever wins heads west to play the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on Saturday. That adds some real urgency for both teams to grab Game 1.

The Detroit Tigers are stepping onto the October stage. Their fate depends on smart roster moves, matchup tweaks, and big pitching moments.

Detroit fans are hoping this mix of youth, talent, and playoff experience finally sparks a deep postseason run. It feels like it’s about time, doesn’t it?

 
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