Astros Set to Face Off Against Former Manager in Postseason Opener
Excitement is building as the Houston Astros gear up to take on their former manager, AJ Hinch, and his team, the Detroit Tigers, in the upcoming Wild Card round of the American League playoffs.
After Detroit’s defeat to the Chicago White Sox and Kansas City’s win against Atlanta, the Tigers secured the lowest seed in the postseason and will face the Astros in a best-of-three series at Minute Maid Park starting on Tuesday, Oct. 1.
The pitching lineup for the series has yet to be announced, but fans can expect to see Framber Valdez take the mound for Houston in Game 1.
The Astros hold a 4-2 record against the Tigers this season, making for an intriguing matchup against their former skipper who led them to their first World Series title in 2017 before being dismissed amidst a cheating scandal.
With the No. 3 seed locked in, Houston has their sights set on a potential American League Divisional Series showdown with the Cleveland Guardians if they advance past Detroit. Meanwhile, the Baltimore Orioles will face off against Kansas City in another Wild Card matchup.
Having made seven consecutive appearances in the ALCS and four trips to the World Series in the last seven seasons, the Astros are no strangers to postseason success and will be looking to add to their championship collection this year.