The Detroit Tigers' Playoff Hopes: What They Need to Do in the Final 12 Games

The Tigers' Current Situation

The Detroit Tigers have had a disappointing season, but they still have a chance to make the playoffs. The team is currently 75-87, 16 games behind the AL Central-leading Minnesota Twins. However, the Tigers are just 3.5 games back of the second wild-card spot.

The Tigers' Remaining Schedule

The Tigers have 12 games remaining on their schedule, including six games against the Twins. They also have three games against the Cleveland Indians and three games against the Chicago White Sox.

What the Tigers Need to Do

The Tigers need to win at least nine of their final 12 games to have a chance at making the playoffs. They also need the Twins to lose at least six of their final 12 games.

The Tigers' chances of making the playoffs are slim, but they are not impossible. If the team can play well down the stretch, they could still earn a wild-card berth.

The Tigers' Key Players

The Tigers' key players down the stretch will be Miguel Cabrera, Nicholas Castellanos, and Jeimer Candelario. Cabrera is a future Hall of Famer who is still one of the best hitters in the game. Castellanos is a rising star who is having a breakout season. Candelario is a versatile player who can play multiple positions.

The Tigers will also need to get good pitching from their starters and relievers. Matthew Boyd and Jordan Zimmermann have been the team's most consistent starters all season. Shane Greene has been a solid closer.

The Tigers' Chances

The Tigers' chances of making the playoffs are slim, but they are not impossible. If the team can play well down the stretch, they could still earn a wild-card berth.

The Tigers' biggest challenge will be the Twins. The Twins have been the best team in the AL Central all season. However, the Tigers have played the Twins tough this season, winning four of the seven games they have played against them.

The Tigers will also need to be careful not to overlook the Indians and White Sox. Both teams are still in contention for a wild-card berth.

The Tigers' playoff hopes will likely come down to the final week of the season. The team will need to win as many games as possible and hope that the Twins stumble down the stretch.