Fister Will Follow Verlander In Playoff Rotation
Nothing tricky about it.
Justin Verlander and Doug Fister will pitch the first two games of the playoffs because they're the Tigers' two hottest pitchers, manager Jim Leyland said.
"I read a lot of stuff saying (Max) Scherzer should pitch at home because he pitches better there," Leyland said. "We don't hide stuff here.
"Those two guys are pitching the first two games because they're our hottest pitchers right now. Don't read into that that I don't have any confidence in Max Scherzer. I do. I have all the confidence in the world that Max Scherzer can win us a game."
Fister confirmed his manager's reasoning in his final start of the regular season Monday. He worked eight innings, retired the first 11 batters he faced and allowed three hits in the Tigers' 14-0 win over the Indians. Only one runner got to second, on an error, and he was stranded there.
Fister, who fanned nine, has won seven straight games with a 0.65 ERA in that time.
"He throws so many strikes," catcher Alex Avila said. "And he can throw any pitch in any count. That makes it easy."
As for the opening playoff assignment, Leyland said, "I can't find anybody in this town that does not want me to start Justin Verlander in the first game."
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