The Detroit Tigers have secured a wildcard spot in the American League.
But they are not yet in play-off position.
After the Minnesota Twins’ loss to the Cleveland Guardians on Thursday afternoon, the Tigers (80-73) and the Twins have the same record for the third wild card spot. However, the Twins won the season’s head-to-head matchup with the Tigers, so the Tigers will have to finish with a better record.
The Tigers had Thursday off, but begin a three-game series against the Baltimore Orioles on Friday.
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The Guardians (89-65), who lead the Central Division, also secured a playoff spot with a 6½-game lead over the Kansas City Royals and 8½ games ahead of the Twins and Tigers.
Andrés Giménez scored the winning run for José Ramírez with a single from second base in the 10th inning and the Guardians won in dramatic fashion 3-2 against the Twins.
With Ramírez as the automatic runner at second base, Minnesota relief pitcher Caleb Thielbar (2-4) struck out Josh Naylor and the Twins intentionally walked Lane Thomas to face Giménez, who had three hits.
Cleveland’s second baseman then hit a 3-2 pitch to right that easily earned Ramírez a run.
As the All-Star third baseman rounded third base, Cleveland’s dugout emptied onto the field in celebration as the Guardians recorded their 42nd comeback win and second consecutive extra-inning victory to become the Major League leaders.
“That’s us,” said Giménez. “That’s the Cleveland Guardians.”
They are the second AL team to qualify for the postseason, following the New York Yankees, who clinched a spot on Wednesday night.
Cleveland may now have a chance to end the longest active World Series drought in baseball history, dating back to 1948, when the team was still known as the Indians.
“The goal is to get in,” said Stephen Vogt, the new manager. “If you get in, you have a chance.”
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The Twins were dangerous in the 10th inning, loading the bases with one out against Eli Morgan (3-0), but the right-hander got out of the jam by taking out Carlos Correa with a foul pop and Byron Buxton with a liner to right.
Cleveland’s bullpen, which has carried the team all season, went a total of 5 2/3 hitless innings.
“They have the best bullpen in the league for a reason and they prove it every time,” Minnesota’s Matt Wallner said.
Rookie Kyle Manzardo hit a home run for the Guardians, lowering the magic number to win the AL Central title to three.
AL Wildcard Ranking
The top two division winners receive a bye to the Division Series. The other four teams play best-of-three series in the wildcard round. The top three teams are the Yankees (89-64), Guardians (89-65) and Astros (82-70). The Astros are joined by the following top three teams:
▶ Orioles (85-68)
▶ Royals (82-71)
▶ Gemini (80-73)
▶ Tigers (80-73)
▶ Mariners (78-75), 2 games behind
▶ Red Sox (76-77), 4 games behind
Remaining games
Tigers (9)
▶ Home (6): Rays (3), White Sox (3)
▶ Away (3): at Orioles (3)
▶ Current series: Four wins in a row
▶ Chances of reaching the playoffs: 42.3%
▶ Odds of winning the World Series: 1.1%
Twins (9)
▶ Home (6): Marlins (3), Orioles (3)
▶ Away (3): at the Red Sox (3)
▶ Current series: Lost twice in a row
▶ Chances of reaching the playoffs: 62.9%
Sailor (9)
▶ Home (3): Ones (3)
▶ Away (6): at Rangers (3), at Astros (3)
▶ Current series: One victory in a row
▶ Chances of reaching the playoffs: 5.8%
Red Sox (9)
▶ Home (6): Twins (3), Rays (3)
▶ Away (3): at Blue Jays (3)
▶ Current series: Lost once in a row
▶ Chances of reaching the playoffs: 0.7%
Royal (9)
▶ Home (3): Giants (3)
▶ Away (6): at Nationals (3), at Braves (3)
▶ Current series: Four defeats in a row
▶ Chances of reaching the playoffs: 90.0%
