Unlikely late-season surge puts Tigers in playoff battle with Royals and Twins

The Detroit Tigers were a sellout at the July 30 MLB trade deadline, and the pessimism was entirely understandable at the time. They had a 52-57 record, were battling various injuries, and weren't making any progress.

Therefore, general manager Jeff Greenberg sent pitcher Jack Flaherty to the Dodgers. Veteran outfielder Mark Canha went to the Giants. Reliever Andrew Chafin and catcher Carson Kelly were sent to the Rangers.

And then somehow the Tigers got better.

Young top players such as Riley Greene, Trey Sweeney, Kerry Carpenter and Colt Keith have shown top form at the plate in September, while left-hander Tarik Skubal is one of the most promising candidates for the American League Cy Young Award.

Detroit has won 11 of its last 14 games to overtake the Minnesota Twins with six games remaining in the battle for the final American League wild-card spot, part of a thrilling AL wild-card race that seemed like a side issue just a few weeks ago.

The Kansas City Royals (82-74) and Tigers (82-74) would be the last two teams in the AL bracket if the season ended Sunday. The Twins (81-75) are one game back, while the Mariners (80-76) are two games back. All four teams have six games remaining.

“We still have a long way to go, so we’re staying grounded,” said Tigers manager AJ Hinch.

The Twins have lost 11 of 17 games. The Royals have also slumped, losing seven straight games, including the last six at home. They have a 7-16 record since August 28.