Wildcard chances, what has to happen

The Detroit Tigers (82-74) face a six-game home series to secure a spot in the MLB playoffs, and they are in a good position in the race to October.

It starts today when the Tigers open a three-game series with the 78-78 Tampa Bay Rays at 1:10 p.m. today at Comerica Park. Here's everything you need to know.

The Tigers' magic number is a little complicated. To beat the Minnesota Twins and make the playoffs, the Tigers' magic number is 6meaning they need a combination of six wins or losses against the team behind them in the standings — in this case, the Minnesota Twins — to reach the postseason. The Tigers (82-74) have a one-game lead over the Twins (81-75), a 1½-game lead over the Seattle Mariners and are tied with the Kansas City Royals for the second AL wild-card spot (with the Royals having the tiebreaker).