Veteran Reliever Vest Shines
Detroit Tigers reliever Will Vest has been a key contributor out of the bullpen during the team's playoff run. Over four appearances in the 2025 ALDS, Vest has delivered six scoreless innings with zero walks and five strikeouts, providing a steady presence in high-leverage situations.
Vest's performance has been a bright spot for the Tigers, who have leaned heavily on their relief corps with several starters dealing with injuries and inconsistency. The 28-year-old right-hander has seemingly elevated his game in the postseason, drawing praise from manager A.J. Hinch for his ability to shut down opposing offenses.
Rookie Melton Emerges as X-Factor
Another Tigers player who has stepped up in the ALDS is rookie right-hander Troy Melton. The 23-year-old has been a revelation out of the bullpen, flashing electric stuff that has made him a difficult matchup for Mariners hitters.
Melton's combination of high velocity and a wipeout slider has resulted in a 27.9% whiff rate during the regular season, well above the MLB average. His emergence as a reliable late-inning option has provided a boost to a Tigers pitching staff that has weathered several injuries.
Despite his limited big-league experience, Melton has expressed a desire to take the ball in a potential Game 5 winner-take-all scenario against the Mariners. His willingness to embrace the pressure-packed moment is a testament to his maturity and competitiveness.
TL;DR
- Detroit Tigers reliever Will Vest has been dominant in the 2025 ALDS, tossing six scoreless innings with zero walks and five strikeouts.
- Rookie right-hander Troy Melton has emerged as an X-factor for the Tigers, flashing electric stuff out of the bullpen that has made him a tough matchup for opposing hitters.
- Melton's emergence has provided a boost to the Tigers' pitching staff, and he has expressed a desire to pitch in a potential Game 5 showdown against the Mariners.