MLB playoff pulse: Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Angels on the brink
By Ed Carroll
Sunday’s slate of MLB playoff games is an American League affair, as two perceived favorites in the AL — the Detroit Tigers and the Los Angeles Angels — enter their respective American League Divisional Series down 2-0. The Baltimore Orioles head to Detroit hoping to seal their ALDS against Tigers ace David Price, while the Kansas City Royals will hope to end LA’s run in front of a packed Kauffman Stadium.
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Baltimore Orioles at Detroit Tigers, 3:30 p.m. EST. BAL leads series, 2-0:
Detroit manager Brad Ausmus hands the ball to David Price hoping to save the Tigers’s season after the bullpen blew up in the first two games. Detroit acquired Price at the trade deadline for games like this one, and if he’s effective, Ausmus might ride Price as deep into the game as the left-hander’s arm will allow. The Tigers will also be without center fielder Rajai Davis, who re-injured his groin strain in Game Two. If the Tigers can win today, they won’t start Max Scherzer on short rest; Rick Porcello would likey get a potential Game Four nod.
Baltimore sends right-hander Bud Norris to the mound, instead of Miguel Gonzalez, likely because the Orioles head to Detroit with a two-game lead. Orioles manager Buck Showalter told CBSSports.com that because Norris has experience out of the bullpen, Showalter would rather start Norris in Game Three to be avalaible in a potential Game Five, if needed. Gonzalez would likely start a Game Four, if Detroit wins today. Baltimore has also decided to start Delmon Young in left field, which could lead to some interesting fielding if the ball is hit to him.
Los Angeles Angels at Kansas City Royals, 7:30 p.m. EST. KC leads series, 2-0:
In an inverse of the other ALDS, the Angels head to Kansas City reeling after back-to-back extra inning losses to the increasingly-dangerous Royals. Veteran C.J. Wilson will attempt to save LA’s season, and recent injuries could help hasten the undoing of the team with the best record in MLB these playoffs.
The Royals will counter with James Shields, and hope that their best starter can help the Royals win their first series in the MLB playoffs since their last trip to the postseason — when they won the World Series in 1985.
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