Bob Melvin

The Tigers send right-hander Max Scherzer to the mound in their second attempt to close out the Oakland Athletics in the ALDS. It will be Scherzer's first start of this post-season.

Scherzer, who was 16-7 with a 3.74 ERA during the regular season, opposes rookie right-hander A.J. Griffin as the series continues with Game 4 at Oakland at 9:37 p.m.Wednesday. The game will be televised by TNT.

Scherzer was 1-1 with a 5.74 ERA in the 2011 post-season.

The 6-foot-5 Griffin was 7-1 during the regular season for manager Bob Melvin's team. Griffin's only loss came against the Tigers at Comerica Park on Sept. 18 when the California native allowed eight hits and five earned runs in 4.2 innings.

Oakland avoided elimination by defeating the Tigers 2-0 Tuesday night as Detroit was held to four hits.

Game 5, if necessary, would be played at 9:37 p.m.Thursday at Oakland with Game 1 winner Justin Verlander scheduled to pitch for the Tigers.