Tigers and Guardians Secure Playoff Spots as AL Central Race Intensifies to Season’s Final Day

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Tigers and Guardians Secure Playoff Spots as AL Central Race Intensifies to Season’s Final Day

Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians Set for AL Central Showdown

Playoff Berth Secured: A Look at Tigers and Guardians Victorious Path

The Detroit Tigers secured their playoff berth with a gripping 2-1 victory over the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Hours later, the Cleveland Guardians followed suit, securing a spot in the postseason through a walk-off hit-by-pitch against the Texas Rangers, ensuring their remarkable season continues.

While both teams have clinched postseason spots, the AL Central title race remains undecided. A thrilling end to the regular season is anticipated as both teams are neck and neck, tied at the top of the division.

The AL Central Race: A Historic Comeback

The division has transformed from being seemingly uncompetitive to delivering one of the most riveting comebacks in Major League Baseball history within weeks. With both teams triumphant on Saturday, the division crown remains up for grabs, with the Guardians holding a crucial tiebreaker.

The Guardians can secure the AL Central title with either a win or a Tigers loss in their final game.

High Stakes: Playoff Positioning in the AL

Including the division title, playoff positioning remains a crucial factor for both teams. They are just one game behind the Boston Red Sox in the race for the second wild card. The implications for Sunday’s games are significant:

Tigers win, Guardians win: No. 6 Red Sox at No. 3 Guardians, No. 5 Tigers at No. 4 Yankees/Blue Jays
Tigers win, Guardians lose: No. 6 Guardians at No. 3 Tigers, No. 5 Red Sox at No. 4 Yankees/Blue Jays
Tigers lose, Guardians win: No. 6 Tigers at No. 3 Guardians, No. 5 Red Sox at No. 4 Yankees/Blue Jays
Tigers lose, Guardians lose: No. 6 Tigers at No. 3 Guardians, No. 5 Red Sox at No. 4 Yankees/Blue Jays

AL East Dynamics: Yankees and Blue Jays Scenario

The New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays have an ongoing battle at the top of the AL East, both holding identical records. Toronto holds the tiebreaker, meaning the Yankees would find themselves participating in the wild-card series unless they win and Toronto falters.

Tigers’ Strategy for Sunday Showdown

Tigers’ manager A.J. Hinch has indicated that ace Tarik Skubal will not take the mound unless absolutely crucial for postseason entry. Instead, Skubal is poised to serve as the Game 1 starter in the wild-card round should the Tigers secure their spot.

“If we need to get into the playoffs, we’re going to pitch Tarik,” Hinch shared with Emegypt. “If we’ve clinched a playoff berth, then we won’t pitch him.”