ALCS 2012: Doug Fister expected to get start in Game 1

The tentative Tigers rotation for the American League Championship Series will send Doug Fister to the mound for Saturday's Game 1, with ace Justin Verlander pitching Game 3 and Game 7 (if necessary). Fister was solid for the Tigers in Game 2 of the ALDS, striking out eight and allowing two earned runs in seven innings of work. He had starts against both the Yankees and Orioles this season, with better numbers against the Bronx Bombers in the small sample size. In an August start against the Yanks, he allowed just two earned runs in 6 1/3 innings. In two starts against the Orioles, Fister posted a 6.75 ERA.

The rest of the Tigers rotation should set up Anibal Sanchez for Game 2, Verlander for Game 3, and Max Scherzer for Game 4. The most significant effect of a five-game ALDS is that Scherzer will now likely start just one game, with Sanchez getting two starts.

While the Athletics forcing a decisive Game 5 resulted in Verlander getting used again, both potential ALCS opponents are also using their staff aces on Friday night. The Yankees would likely throw Andy Pettitte in Game 1 of the ALCS while the Orioles would probably go with Wei-Yin Chen.

Game 1 is scheduled for 8:07 p.m. ET on Saturday night.