Tigers in playoff mode with visit from Rays ahead

(Photo credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images)
Late in a season with moderate expectations, a timely surge, coupled with nosedives by other American League wild-card contenders, has put the Detroit Tigers in control of their postseason destiny.

The Tigers enter a season-ending, six-game homestand tied for the second wild-card spot with the Kansas City Royals and will face the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday with a one-game lead o