The Detroit Tigers gained ground in the American League wild-card race by defeating the Orioles 1-0 while the Minnesota Twins lost to the Reds 8-4, leaving the Tigers 2.5 games behind the Twins for the final playoff spot. The Twins, currently holding a 3.5-game lead over the Tigers, are facing an essential series against the Reds and will activate Byron Buxton from the injured list to bolster their lineup. Meanwhile, the Yankees are unexpectedly aiding the Twins' playoff aspirations by performing well against key rivals like the Red Sox, who are in hot pursuit of a wild-card spot. With the Red Sox looming as a significant threat, the Twins need to secure wins to maintain their playoff positioning, especially with a crucial series against Boston upcoming. The current standings emphasize the competitive nature of the wild-card race, with the Twins needing to capitalize on their remaining games to fend off threats from both the Tigers and the Red Sox.