Kikuchi is slated to start Thursday in Game 3 of the American League Wild Card Series against the Tigers, assuming he's not needed in relief in Game 2 on Wednesday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Kikuchi has been told to be ready in relief for Game 2 with the Astros having all hands on deck as they try to avoid elimination. If Houston wins and doesn't have to use Kikuchi on Wednesday, he'll take the ball Thursday. The left-hander was outstanding after being acquired by the Astros at the trade deadline, putting up a 2.70 ERA and 76:14 K:BB over 60 innings.

Rodon will start Oct. 7 in Game 2 of the ALDS, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Rodon will follow Game 1 starter Gerrit Cole against a yet-to-be-determined opponent. The lefty went through his fair share of ups and downs during the regular season, but he finished on an upswing in September, collecting a 2.20 ERA and 34:10 K:BB over 28.2 frames covering five starts.

Holton will open Game 2 of the Tigers' wild-card series versus Houston on Wednesday, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

After turning in a 2.19 ERA and 0.78 WHIP through 94.1 innings in the regular season, Holton will now be rewarded with an opener assignment in the playoffs as the Tigers look to advance to the ALDS. He'll likely only remain in the game for an inning or two before turning things over to Reese Olson, though Holton has reached three frames in four of his 66 appearances.

Eflin will start Wednesday in Game 2 of the American League Wild Card Series against the Royals, Danielle Allentuck of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

The Orioles dropped the first game of the series against the Royals on Tuesday, losing 1-0. Eflin did not have his strongest outing in his final start of the regular season Wednesday, giving up three runs on four hits and five walks across 4.2 innings. With a week of rest under his belt, the 30-year old will look to rebound in order to force Game 3.

Manager A.J. Hinch said after Tuesday's wild-card game against Houston that Skubal is dealing with cramping, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Skubal was able to finish the sixth inning after drawing a visit from the Tigers' training staff, which is a good sign that his removal was precautionary, and he may still be available for the ALDS if Detroit advances. The 27-year-old southpaw earned the win Tuesday after throwing six shutout innings and striking out six batters in the process.

Brown will start Wednesday in Game 2 of the American League Wild Card Series against the Tigers, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The Astros fell to the Tigers, 3-1, in Game 1 on Tuesday and will send Brown to the bump for an elimination game. The 26-year-old allowed one run on three hits and a walk in his last start Sept. 23. The right-hander, who'll be on extended rest, will look to help preserve Houston's season.

Ragans was pulled from Tuesday's wild-card game against Baltimore due to left calf cramps.

Prior to suffering his injury, Ragans had cruised through six shutout innings on 80 pitches while striking out eight batters. The severity of his injury is unknown, though the Royals won't need to make a decision on his availability until the ALDS, provided the team advances past the O's.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Tuesday that Cousins (pectoral) is on track to be ready for the ALDS, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Cousins will throw another bullpen session Wednesday, which should be the last hurdle he needs to clear before being included on the ALDS roster. The right-handed reliever hasn't pitched in a game in nearly two weeks because of a right pectoral strain.

O'Hearn is out of the lineup for Game 1 of the American League Wild Card Series against the Royals on Tuesday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

The 31-year-old finished the regular season on a tear -- he hit .382 with three doubles and two homers over the final 11 games -- but he'll begin the playoffs on the bench with southpaw Cole Ragans taking the mound for Kansas City. O'Hearn is a strong candidate to appear as a pinch hitter and should be back in the lineup for Game 2 against Royals righty Seth Lugo.

Rangers general manager Chris Young said Tuesday that Garcia will undergo an MRI on his injured left knee, Jeff Wilson of AllDLLS.com reports.

Young expressed hope that Garcia will be able to avoid surgery, but more clarity on the situation will be available after the exam results are in. Garcia injured the knee during the final weekend of the regular season while attempting to beat out an infield single.