Much is made about the days off ("rust vs. rest"), but I think it helps the Guardians, as they are so heavily reliant on a stellar bullpen. They are the better team and are amazing at home, too.

Detroit has been doing things in an unorthodox manner for two months now so no surprise that AJ Hinch is not only going the opener route again in Game 1 but sending out reliever Tyler Horton to become the fourth pitcher in the past ten postseasons to start in back-to-back games, though the others were following lay-offs between series. There's a layoff here, too, but Holton only threw one inning vs. Houston and likely the same today. Game 2 isn't until Monday, when Tarik Skubal likely takes the hill for the Tigers. Meanwhile, Cleveland only won four of Tanner Bibee's last eight starts, and in four outings vs. Detroit this season, his ERA was a not-special 4.50. Play Tigers on Money Line

Cleveland won the series season series 7-6 but was outscored 60 to 50 by the Tigers. Cleveland won the last four of five in the series but that was in July well before Detroit got hot. Cleveland has the best bullpen but Detroit is the 5th best. Detroit remains hot during the playoffs just sweeping Houston while Cleveland has been off for a week. The Tigers have won 33 of their last 44 games, they’re blazing hot. And the bonus Saturday could be Tarik Skubal pitching instead of Game 2, but even if he doesn't the staff is in the zone. Tigers keep rolling, win game 1.