Tigers News: Detroit’s Playoff Hopes Flicker After Hot Streak

It’s that feeling in the pit of your stomach, like you’re jinxing it by even daring to hope. But here we are, peeking at the standings and realizing something: The Detroit Tigers might be back in the playoff picture.

Might being the operative word.

Coming out of the All-Star break, the Tigers have flirted with the idea of reaching .500 for the first time in eight long years. And while they haven’t exactly shattered expectations, a couple of well-timed wins have put them back on the right side of things. This little surge has come at the perfect time, too, with some friendly slumps by the teams ahead of them in the standings.

Minnesota? Three-game losing streak. Boston? They just snapped a four-game skid. Seattle? They lost 10 of 14, including a three-game sweep in Detroit, and even fired their coach. Talk about bad timing—for them.

Suddenly, the Tigers find themselves just 5.5 games behind the Twins for that coveted third and final wild card spot. Only the Red Sox stand between the Tigers and a real shot at the playoffs. Boston, a mere 1.5 games ahead, is coming to town this weekend for a three-game showdown. If Detroit keeps its momentum going, they could be the top team outside the playoff bracket by Monday morning.

Now, about those Twins. Sure, 5.5 games doesn’t sound like much, but with just 29 games left, that’s a steep climb. Detroit can’t afford any stumbles in September if they want to keep this dream alive.

But here’s the thing: The schedules for the rest of the season give the Tigers a real shot to make up some ground. Let’s break it down:

Tigers’ Remaining Schedule:

• 2 games vs. Angels (54-78)
• 3 games vs. Red Sox (68-64)
• 3 games vs. Padres (76-58)
• 3 games vs. Athletics (57-75)
• 3 games vs. Rockies (49-84)
• 6 games vs. Orioles (77-56)
• 3 games vs. Royals (75-58)
• 3 games vs. Rays (66-66)
• 3 games vs. White Sox (31-101)

Twins’ Remaining Schedule:

• 1 game vs. Braves (72-60)
• 3 games vs. Blue Jays (65-69)
• 4 games vs. Rays (66-66)
• 3 games vs. Royals (75-58)
• 3 games vs. Angels (54-78)
• 3 games vs. Reds (63-69)
• 4 games vs. Guardians (75-58)
• 3 games vs. Red Sox (68-64)
• 3 games vs. Marlins (48-84)
• 3 games vs. Orioles (77-56)

On paper, the Tigers have a slightly easier path. Detroit has 11 games against bottom-feeders, six against solid teams, and 12 against really good ones. The Twins, on the other hand, have six games against bad teams, 13 against solid ones, and 11 against tough competition.

Detroit's best hope lies in dominating their remaining games against the Angels, Athletics, Rockies, and White Sox—teams that have already helped get them back into the race. But even if they manage that, they’ll still need a bit of luck and Minnesota’s continued struggles.

The Twins, for their part, are battling some serious injury woes. Carlos Correa hasn’t seen the field in over a month. Joe Ryan, their ace, is out for the season with a shoulder injury. Byron Buxton is on the injured list, and Alex Kirilloff just had a setback in his rehab.

With their top talent sidelined, the Twins’ roster is looking more like a patchwork quilt than a playoff contender. Meanwhile, the Tigers have injected new life into their lineup with young stars like Jace Jung, Trey Sweeney, Parker Meadows, and Spencer Torkelson.

So, do the Tigers actually have a shot at the playoffs? Honestly, it’s still a long shot. But the fact that we’re even talking about it this late in the season is a win in itself.

Like I said, it feels like just mentioning “playoffs” might doom the Tigers to lose their next two games against the Angels. But it’s been so long since Detroit fans could even dream about a playoff race this late in the season. So why not enjoy the ride while it lasts?

No matter how this season ends, the success of Detroit’s young core is a beacon of hope for the future. And maybe, just maybe, that future is closer than we think.