Detroit Tigers Lead AL Standings Despite Rotation Concerns

As the 2025 MLB regular season nears its conclusion, several teams are jockeying for playoff positioning amidst various challenges. The Detroit Tigers have ascended to the top of the American League standings but face concerns about the depth of their starting rotation beyond ace Tarik Skubal, with questions surrounding the consistency of Jack Flaherty, Casey Mize, and Chris Paddack potentially impacting their postseason prospects. The Kansas City Royals have surged with a five-game winning streak, closing in on a wild-card spot, though right-hander Seth Lugo's recent struggles since signing a contract extension remain a red flag for the team. The Seattle Mariners, once showing promise, have stumbled with a recent losing streak driven largely by weak pitching performances, jeopardizing their playoff chances. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Dodgers possess a strong rotation with Shohei Ohtani, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Clayton Kershaw, but the heavy workload expected in the postseason could test their durability. Overall, the MLB playoff picture remains highly competitive and uncertain, with each contender managing unique vulnerabilities as the postseason approaches.