A.J. Hinch, former Houston Astros manager, is back in the postseason with the Detroit Tigers, who are facing the Astros in the American League Wild Card Series.
This marks Hinch’s first playoff appearance since he led Houston to the World Series in 2019, a run that was marred by the subsequent sign-stealing scandal, leading to his suspension and dismissal in early 2020.
Now, after three seasons managing the Tigers, Hinch has guided them to their first playoff berth in a decade.
Hinch downplayed any personal narrative around facing his former team, emphasizing that the series is about the players and the work they’ve put in to reach this point.
He noted that baseball often brings people back to familiar places, though he remains focused on the present challenge. The Tigers, who defied the odds with a late-season surge, will face the Astros in a best-of-three series starting at Minute Maid Park.
Game 1 features a pitching duel between Detroit’s Tarik Skubal and Houston’s Framber Valdez, adding even more excitement to this high-stakes encounter.
Despite the personal connections, Hinch is concentrating on continuing the Tigers’ surprising postseason journey.
