Tigers Hold 1½ Game Lead for Final AL Wild Card Spot

The Detroit Tigers have surged in the AL wild-card race, boasting a 28-11 record since August 11 and currently holding a 1½-game lead for the final spot. Key to their success has been elite pitching, particularly from Tarik Skubal, a leading AL Cy Young candidate, and clutch performances from young hitters like Riley Greene and Trey Sweeney. The Tigers, who were sellers at the trade deadline, have benefited from managerial strategies and the struggles of competitors like the Minnesota Twins and Kansas City Royals. With a magic number of six, Detroit controls its destiny with five games remaining against the Tampa Bay Rays and Chicago White Sox. The team's recent 2-1 victory over the Rays has energized fans, who are hopeful for the Tigers' first playoff appearance since 2014.