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yesterday

Hinch's Game 4 Calls Leave Tigers' ALDS Hopes Teetering

Reserving Tarik Skubal plus an early pull of Casey Mize intensified scrutiny of an unchanged lineup.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 08: Manager A.J. Hinch #14 of the Detroit Tigers removes Tyler Holton #87 from the fourth inning of game four of the American League Division Series against the Seattle Mariners at Comerica Park on October 08, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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Oct 5, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) pitches against the Seattle Mariners in the seventh inning during game two of the ALDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Detroit dropped Game 3 to Seattle 8-4, then entered Game 4 with the same lineup that had struggled, drawing immediate backlash.
  • Manager AJ Hinch removed Casey Mize after three innings of one-run pitching, and the Mariners scored in consecutive innings following his exit.
  • MLB.com's Daniel Kramer shared video indicating Josh Naylor appeared to signal Mize's splitter from second base, with no formal league finding reported.
  • Hinch confirmed Tarik Skubal was unavailable for Game 4 as the team held him for a potential Game 5.
  • Commentary faulted Hinch's quick hooks and matchup-driven bullpen use given Detroit's limited depth, as fan criticism on social media intensified.