Mariners vs. Tigers Game 1 prediction: MLB Playoff picks, props, odds

The Mariners are going with experience in Game 1 of the American League Division Series against the Tigers. 

With an embarrassment of riches to choose from, Seattle will send George Kirby, who took the mound for the Mariners the last time they were in the postseason in 2022, out for the series opener despite an underwhelming 2025 season. 

Kirby went 10-8 with a 4.21 ERA across 23 starts this season, which was a significant step down from the 3.43 ERA over the past three seasons combined. 

But there’s reason to believe Kirby was just finally putting it together right before October hit. 

After missing the first month and a half of the season with shoulder inflammation, Kirby wasn’t himself, posting a 6.16 ERA over his first six starts. 

While he had some ups and downs after that dreadful first stretch, he looked like vintage Kirby — if not better — over his final three outings. 

George Kirby #68 of the Seattle Mariners reacts during the second inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at T-Mobile Park on September 26, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. Getty Images

Kirby pitched to an ERA of 2.08 while striking out a ridiculous 31 batters over 17 ⅓ innings over his last three starts, including a 14-K masterpiece against the Angels. 

By giving him the ball in Game 1, the Mariners are, apparently, expecting the version of Kirby that showed up in late September rather than the one that struggled early on.

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He’ll take on a Tigers lineup that had a hard time scoring despite taking the wild-card series from the Guardians in Cleveland. 

Detroit mustered just nine runs total while hitting just one home run over those three games. 

The play: George Kirby Over 6.5 strikeouts (-125, bet365 Sportsbook) and Over 17.5 outs (-125, BetMGM Sportsbook)

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Dylan Svoboda is a versatile writer and analyst across many sports. He’s particularly knowledgeable about the big three — MLB, the NFL and the NBA.