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Detroit Tigers: Upcoming Series is Biggest of Season

By Griffin Fabits

Aug 31, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias (1) and center fielder JaCoby Jones (40) and right fielder J.D. Martinez (28) run to swarm Tyler Collins (not pictured) after his sacrifice fly to score Jones defeats the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park. Detroit won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 31, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop Jose Iglesias (1) and center fielder JaCoby Jones (40) and right fielder J.D. Martinez (28) run to swarm Tyler Collins (not pictured) after his sacrifice fly to score Jones defeats the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park. Detroit won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Detroit Tigers have chance to gain momentum as the Minnesota Twins come to town for a four-game series.

The weekend series against the Baltimore Orioles was one with major postseason implications for the Detroit Tigers. At the start of the three-game set on Friday, the O’s had a slim one-game lead over the Tigers for the second wildcard spot in the American League.

The series gave the Tigers an opportunity to potentially leapfrog their way into sole possession of the second spot. But, instead, the Orioles left town with two wins and a two-game advantage in the wildcard race.

The tables have turned; the Tigers are now forced to play catch-up over the final 20 games of the regular season.

The Baltimore series was disappointing, but it was not the end of the world.

"“To start worrying about whether we’re hamstrung two games out on Sept. 11, I think is – no offense – but not even a good question. We’re going to come back and try to win. We’ve got a shot at making the playoffs,” said Ausmus."

Luckily for Brad Ausmus’ squad, the Tigers host the Minnesota Twins for the next four games. It will be the biggest test of the season for the club that sits in the midst of a tight playoff race.

The Twins are a paltry 53-90 and the Tigers have dominated them this season (10-2), but they have a golden opportunity to make up ground in both the division and wildcard races. Especially since they failed to do so against Baltimore.

It could really be a make-or-break scenario. If they ‘make’ it and can beat up on the Twins like they have done so often this year, it would set them up nicely for a weekend series on the road in Cleveland.

If all goes downhill, the Tigers would mimic the sluggish series against the O’s with poor play with the Twins, and then travel to Cleveland, where they are just 1-11 this year against the Indians.

The biggest series of the season begins tomorrow. The Tigers desperately need this momentum and a chance to cut into Cleveland’s seven-game division lead.

Next: Detroit Tigers: Importance of a Utility Man

It is imperative that the Tigers make up ground, and do it rather quickly. A good start against the Twins followed by an important series in Cleveland puts them in a manageable position over the final two weeks of the regular season.

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