Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch has significant postseason experience, having participated in six of his twelve seasons. Leading up to the critical Game 3 against the Cleveland Guardians, Hinch emphasized the importance of resilience in elimination games. “It’s a 27-out game,” he remarked. Players must prepare for adversity whether through a bad hop or an unexpected hit. They must be ready to withstand challenges and respond effectively.
Spencer Torkelson’s Game 3 Status
First baseman Spencer Torkelson’s availability for the game was uncertain after he was seen exiting the clubhouse with an athletic trainer following Wednesday’s match. Initially thought to be an injury to his arm after being hit by a pitch in the ninth inning, it turned out to be related to a foul ball that struck his foot earlier. Manager Hinch noted that they acted out of caution to ensure everything was fine. “There wasn’t great concern on the back foot,” Hinch said regarding Torkelson’s condition.
Game Scheduling and Timing
The scheduling of the Thursday game was under consideration until the very last moment. Players were restless the night before, uncertain whether the game would begin at 1:08 p.m. or 3:08 p.m. This uncertainty arose from a game involving the Cincinnati Reds and the Los Angeles Dodgers. If the Reds had upset the Dodgers, all Wild Card Series would have needed a third game on the earlier schedule. In the end, the Dodgers won, pushing the Tigers’ game to a 3:08 p.m. start.
- Game Date: Thursday
- Initial Time Options: 1:08 p.m. or 3:08 p.m.
- Final Scheduled Time: 3:08 p.m.
Tigers player Kerry Carpenter shared the confusion, stating he had set alarms for both game times. Head coach Hinch kept his players updated on the scheduling developments throughout the night. Ensuring that they were informed was crucial for their preparedness.
Impact of Shadows on Gameplay
The decision to move the game to a later start time granted both teams some extra rest. However, it also raised concerns about the challenging lighting conditions at Progressive Field. Carpenter mentioned the difficulty he experienced in his last at-bat during the previous game due to shadows. He recognized that both teams would face similar challenges, but believed that players would focus on hitting effectively no matter the conditions.
