DETROIT -- From All-Star starter to postseason headliner -- Max Scherzer is manager Jim Leyland's pick again.

The Tigers' 21-game winner will start the AL Division Series opener Friday night against the Oakland Athletics, with star Justin Verlander following in Game 2. Leyland announced the Tigers' rotation Tuesday, putting an end to any speculation about who would start Game 1.

Max Scherzer, who was 21-3 with a 2.90 ERA this season, will start for Detroit in Game 1 at Oakland. Leon Halip/Getty Images

"I truly feel that I could start any one of my guys and I would feel comfortable," Leyland said. "I think that the kind of year Scherzer's had ... I'm sure somebody will find something wrong with this choice, but I think that's kind of hard to argue."

Scherzer (21-3) was baseball's lone 20-game winner and started for the AL in the All-Star Game, which Leyland managed. But Verlander (13-12) was the 2011 AL MVP and has been one of the top pitchers in the game the past few seasons.

"It's awesome," Scherzer said. "We're going up against a great team, and I have a shot to go out there and pick up the win, first time. What more can you want?"

The Tigers won the AL Central for a third straight year, thanks in part to an exceptionally deep rotation. Anibal Sanchez, the AL's ERA leader, won't pitch until Game 3. Doug Fister will start Game 4.

Leyland said relievers Bruce Rondon and Phil Coke likely will miss the series due to elbow problems.

Scherzer is a favorite to win his first Cy Young Award, and it's not just because of his lofty win total. He finished fifth in the AL in ERA and second in strikeouts while holding opponents to a .198 average.

No wonder Verlander was deferential to his teammate after Leyland's announcement.

"If it was me, I'd probably make the same decision," Verlander said. "Max has had a magical season, and when a guy has a season like that and everything's going right, why not ride it?"

Verlander was the AL Cy Young Award winner in 2011 and finished a close second last season to David Price. This season has been more of a struggle. His 3.46 ERA was his highest since 2008.