The Detroit Tigers entered Sunday knowing two things: they were playoff-bound, but their October path wasn’t fully set. After a 4-3 loss to the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, the picture is now clear. The Tigers will not be heading into the postseason as AL Central champions. That crown belongs to the Cleveland Guardians.
Falling Short in the Division Race
The Tigers made things interesting late, but couldn’t close the gap against Boston. With the loss, Detroit now officially finishes behind the Guardians in the division. That means no postseason home games at Comerica Park, at least not in the opening round. Instead, the Tigers will board a flight to Cleveland, where they’ll take on the Guardians in the Wild Card round.
All Eyes on Tarik Skubal
The Tigers’ decision to hold ace Tarik Skubal out of Sunday’s game may end up being their best move of the weekend. Skubal, who’s been one of the best pitchers in baseball this season, will be fully rested and ready to go for Tuesday’s Game 1 matchup. Having him on the mound gives Detroit a fighting chance against a Guardians team that’s been on fire down the stretch.
Road to October Starts in Cleveland
The playoff format makes this series all the more difficult. With all three games scheduled to be played in Cleveland, the Tigers will have to overcome hostile territory if they want to advance. Still, this team has battled through adversity before, and October baseball has a way of rewriting narratives.
The Bottom Line
The Tigers didn’t get the division title they once seemed destined for, but the postseason is still here. Tarik Skubal vs. the Guardians in Game 1 sets the stage for what could be a thrilling start to October baseball. Now the question is simple: can Detroit regroup and flip the script when it matters most?
Don Drysdale
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