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What does the Detroit Tigers’ path to the playoffs look like after Thursday’s win?

Examining magic numbers and matchups before the last regular season series

CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 25: Gleyber Torres #25 celebrates with Jahmai Jones #18 of the Detroit Tigers after Jones scored on a solo homer during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on September 25, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) (Jason Miller, 2025 Getty Images)

DETROIT – The Tigers won the last game of the series with the Guardians Thursday, and the Astros beat the Athletics. What does the playoff situation look like as of Friday?

What is the AL central situation?

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  • Detroit is currently tied with Cleveland for the division, but Cleveland owns the tiebreaker after winning the season series 8-5.
  • Cleveland’s magic number to clinch the division is 3.
  • Detroit’s magic number to clinch the division is 4.

What is the wild card situation?

  • Detroit’s magic number to clinch the wild card is two.
  • They currently sit one game ahead of the Houston Astros for the wild card.

Previews of the upcoming series:

The Tigers have a 3-game series at Fenway Park with the Boston Red Sox

  • Detroit is 2-8 in their last 10 games, Boston is 6-4 in their last 10 games
  • Boston’s magic number is 1 to clinch the wild card

Game 1: Casey Mize (14-6, 3.91 ERA) vs. Kyle Harrison (1-1, 3.58 ERA)

Game 2: TBD vs. Connelly Early (1-1, 1.88 ERA)

Game 3: Tarik Skubal (13-6, 2.21 ERA) vs. TBD

The Astros have a 3-game series at Angel Stadium with Anaheim Angels

  • Houston is 4-6 in their last 10 games, Angels 2-8 in their last 10 games
  • Houston’s magic number to clinch the wild card is 2
  • The Angels were eliminated from the playoffs on Sept. 14

Game 1: Jason Alexander (4-2, 4.83 ERA) vs. Kyle Hendricks (8-10, 4.79 ERA)

Game 2: TBD vs. Caden Dana (0-3, 6.39 ERA)

Game 3: TBD vs. Sam Aldegheri (0-1, 8.00 ERA)

Cleveland has a 3-game series at home with Rangers

  • The Rangers were eliminated from the playoffs on Sept. 23
  • Cleveland 8-2 in last 10, Texas 1-9 in their last 10

Game 1: Jack Leiter (9-10, 3.92 ERA) vs. Slade Cecconi (7-6, 4.15 ERA)

Game 2: TBD vs. TBD

Game 3: TBD vs. TBD


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