What happened: Dan Plesac said on MLB Network he would hand Payton Tolle the ball for Game 1. The endorsement aired September 22 entering the season's final week.
Why it matters: October rotation choices tighten with seeding still shifting in the AL. A rookie trusted in Game 1 would reshape bullpen alignment behind him.
By the numbers: Immaculate first inning Sept. 13 on nine pitches — nine-pitch first inning on Sept. 13.
What to watch: Watch final-week rotation order and any official Game 1 announcement.