2012 MLB Standings: White Sox Loss Keeps Door Open For Tigers

A loss yesterday to the Oakland Athletics was offset late in the day as the Kansas City Royals scored in the ninth inning to beat the Chicago White Sox, and leave the standings in the AL Central unchanged. The Detroit Tigers remain two games back, and with a favorable series coming up could gain ground in the division.

The 62-87 Minnesota Twins head to town, fresh off a series loss to the Indians. Meanwhile the White Sox are charged with heading out West to face the Los Angeles Angels, who are losing ground in the AL West, but still the considerably tougher opponent. The stage is set for the Tigers to make a run, and capitalize on Chicago's loss last night. Provided their bats can get going, they'll be in perfect shape to catch up with the White Sox.

There are just thirteen games left for each team, and the division still hangs in the balance. For both the Detroit Tigers and Chicago White Sox the next 72hrs will be critical.

AL Central

Wild Card

Find a full list of the MLB Standings here at SI.com.

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Alex Avila Injury Update: Tigers Catcher Cleared To Return

Detroit Tigers catcher Alex Avila has been cleared to return for the opening game of the Tigers' series against the Minnesota Twins, which will take place on Friday. Avila has missed four consecutive games while dealing with the effects of a mild concussion that he sustained earlier in the week.

Avila underwent concussion tests on Tuesday and Thursday, according to MLive's James Schmehl, and the results of the latter were much better than that of the former, said the Detroit backstop:

"Everything was just better across the board. I feel better mentally. I feel more normal. Everything is good."

Avila collided with Tigers first baseman Prince Fielder as the two were attempting to field a pop-up in Sunday's game against the Cleveland Indians. Fielder stayed in the game, but Avila exited after the play, which took place in the sixth inning.

Avila is hitting .247/.355/.388 in 402 plate appearances in 2012.

For more on the Tigers, be sure to visit Bless You Boys. And, for additional MLB coverage, head over to Baseball Nation.

Athletics Vs. Tigers Final Score: Detroit Halted By Oakland In Series Finale, 12-4

The Detroit Tigers were unable to pull off a three-game sweep of Oakland on Thursday, as the visiting Athletics left Comerica Park with a comfortable 12-4 victory in the series finale.

Tigers right-hander Anibal Sanchez fanned eight batters over five and 2/3 innings of work, but was roughed up for four runs in the sixth before being pulled from the mound. Sanchez fell to 8-13 on the season with the loss, and is now just 3-6 through 10 starts since joining the Tigers' rotation at the trade deadline.

Detroit slugger Miguel Cabrera still managed to maintain his Triple Crown pursuit with a 1-for-4 performance from the plate to move his season average to .333, but was unable to homer for the third consecutive game. Outfielder Andy Dirks provided the biggest hit of the game with a solo blast into the bleachers in right, but the Tigers could not mount a comeback late after reliever Octavio Dotel alone was shelled for four runs in the ninth.

Next up for Jim Leyland's team is a three-game weekend series with the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Rick Porcello will take the hill in search of his 10th win of the season on Friday in Game 1.

Head over to Bless You Boys for more Tigers coverage, and be sure to visit Athletics Nation for more on the A's. Also check out Baseball Nation for more news and analysis from around the league.

Athletics Vs. Tigers Preview: Detroit Goes For Sweep In Matinee

The Detroit Tigers moved back to within two games of the Chicago White Sox in the race for first place in the A.L. Central on Wednesday night, and they'll be looking to continue that momentum as they wrap up their series with the Oakland Athletics on Thursday afternoon.

On the mound for the Tigers is Anibal Sanchez, who is working on a streak of five straight quality starts. The Tigers, though, have only won two of those five starts, a trend which they'll certainly be looking to reverse on Thursday. Sanchez's starts in Comerica Park have been a mixed bag since he's joined Detroit -- he's been able to suppress runs thanks to only giving up one homer in 21.2 innings pitched there, but has also allowed 35 baserunners in those innings.

The good news for Detroit is that they will be facing A's rookie Tom Milone, who has enjoyed a stellar rookie season if you erase his starts away from home. On the road, Milone has an ERA of 5.13, nearly a full 2.5 runs higher than his home ERA. Milone has also been slightly worse after the All-Star break.

First pitch will be at 1:05 p.m. ET on Thursday and will be broadcast on FSN Detroit.

For the latest on all things Tigers, visit Bless You Boys. For more news, notes and analysis from around MLB, check out Baseball Nation.

Athletics vs. Tigers Final Score: Detroit Cruises To 6-2 Victory

The Detroit Tigers picked up another crucial victory on Wednesday night, dominating the Oakland Athletics en route to a 6-2 win. The Tigers ran A's starter Brett Anderson from the game early, and then relied on a combination of starter Justin Verlander and a few big hits to improve to 79-69.

The win puts Detroit two games behind the Chicago White Sox for the AL Central lead after the White Sox's 3-0 loss to the Kansas City Royals.

The Tigers scored three runs off of Anderson in the third inning when Omar Infante doubled in two runs and Delmon Young brought in the third on a sacrifice fly. Jhonny Peralta singled home a run in the fifth, and Miguel Cabrera hit homer No. 41 in the seventh inning to make the score 5-0. Infante drove in the Tigers' sixth run in the eighth on a fielder's choice.

Oakland scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth off Jose Valverde, but their bats were quiet for almost the entire night. Verlander allowed five hits and no runs over six innings. He walked three and also struck out five.

The teams will wrap up the series Thursday afternoon when Anibal Sanchez takes on Tom Milone.

For the latest on all things Tigers, visit Bless You Boys. For more news, notes and analysis from around MLB, check out Baseball Nation.

A's Vs. Tigers Lineups: Justin Verlander Looks For 15th Win

The Detroit Tigers play host to the Oakland A's again on Wednesday night, and reigning American League MVP and Cy Young winner Justin Verlander will start for the Tigers.

Verlander brings a 14-8 record into Wednesday's start, with a 2.82 ERA and 1.05 WHIP. Verlander has struck out 218 batters in 217 and 1/3 innings this year. Certainly, Verlander is in the discussion for the Cy Young again in 2012, and he'll look for win No. 15 on Wednesday to help boast his candidacy -- and Detroit's playoff chances.

Both managers have announced the starting lineups, and they are as follows:

Oakland Athletics

SS Stephen Drew
DH Seth Smith
RF Josh Reddick
CF Yoenis Cespedes
LF Brandon Moss
3B Josh Donaldson
1B Daric Barton
C Derek Norris
2B Cliff Pennington

SP Brett Anderson

Detroit Tigers

CF Austin Jackson
2B Omar Infante
3B Miguel Cabrera
1B Prince Fielder
DH Delmon Young
SS Jhonny Peralta
RF Avisail Garcia
LF Andy Dirks
C Gerald Laird

SP Justin Verlander

Detroit's lineup faces a tough pitcher in Brett Anderson. Anderson did get roughed up in his most recent outing, allowing five runs in six and two thirds innings of work.

For the latest on all things Tigers, visit Bless You Boys.

2012 MLB Standings: Tigers Still Trail White Sox By 3 Games

Despite a dominating 12-2 win over the American League wild card-leading Oakland A's, the Detroit Tigers still face an uphill battle if they're going to qualify for the playoffs in 2012.

Since the Chicago White Sox also won on Tuesday night, the Tigers remain three games behind the Tigers for first place in the American League Central. Detroit didn't gain any ground on the Baltimore Orioles for the second wild card spot either, as the Orioles defeated the Mariners in 18 innings on Tuesday night. Detroit remains five and a half games behind Baltimore.

AL Central Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
Chicago	81	66	.551	0	Won 5
Detroit	78	69	.530	3	Won 1
Kansas City	66	81	.448	15	Lost 2
Cleveland	61	87	.412	20.5	Lost 1
Minnesota	61	87	.412	20.5	Won 1

Needless to say, the AL Central is much more likely a fit for the Tigers than a wild card spot.

Still, the folks at coolstandings.com give the Tigers just a 17% chance of winning the division -- and a 20.8% overall chance at making the playoffs.

The Tigers will have an opportunity to gain ground on the White Sox this weekend, as the White Sox head to Los Angeles to take on Mike Trout and the Angels, while the Tigers host the Twins.

For more on the Tigers, be sure to check out Bless You Boys.

Tigers Vs. Athletics Preview: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

Justin Verlander takes the mound Wednesday night for the Detroit Tigers against the Oakland Athletics while the Tigers try to keep within striking distance of the American League Central Division-leading Chicago White Sox.

Both the Tigers and the White Sox won Tuesday, so Chicago stayed three games ahead of the Tigers in the standings.

Verlander was outstanding in his only previous start this season against Oakland. He went seven innings on May 13 and gave up one run on two hits with eight strikeouts and one walk. The reigning American League MVP and Cy Young Award winner has pitched at least six innings in 29 of his 30 starts this season.

For the Athletics, Brett Anderson will pitch in an effort to maintain the team's hold on the first of two Wild Card playoff spots. The Athletics are a half-game ahead of the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles, who are tied for the second spot. Anderson is making his sixth start since returning from Tommy John surgery, and he has a 1.93 ERA in 32 2/3 innings.

First pitch at Comerica Park is at 7:05 p.m. ET. The game will be televised on FS-D and ESPN.

For more on the Tigers, be sure to visit Bless You Boys. Additional coverage on the Athletics can be found at Athletics Nation, while Baseball Nation is the place to go for news and analysis across the league.

Miguel Cabrera Sets Career High In Home Runs

Tigers Injury Updates: Max Scherzer, Alex Avila, Quintin Berry

The Detroit Tigers issued updates on three injured players on Tuesday night, and the good news is that none of the injuries seems too serious. Here is the information that the Tigers released:

• Max Scherzer's MRI revealed no structural damage. The team says that he won't throw for a few days, and that he will be reevaluated later in the week.
• Alex Avila does not have a concussion, and is being listed as day-to-day.
• Quintin Berry suffered a right shoulder contusion. His X-rays also came back negative.

Though the prognoses for all three players are fairly positive, Detroit's margin of error as it tries to play its way into the playoffs is very slim. Scherzer, especially, has been one of the team's best players in the second half of the season.

For more on the Tigers, check out Bless You Boys or stick with SB Nation Detroit. For more news, notes and analysis from around MLB, head over to Baseball Nation.

Athletics Vs. Tigers Final Score: Detroit Routs Oakland In 12-2 Victory

Every game for the Detroit Tigers is crucial, and they picked up a big victory on Tuesday night with a 12-to-2 win over the Oakland Athletics. Miguel Cabrera went 3-for-4 with six RBI, in the process hitting home runs No. 39 and 40 on the season. Prince Fielder also went deep in the game, hitting his 27th homer of the season.

Unfortunately for Detroit, the night wasn't perfect. In a move that could hinder the Tigers' move towards the playoffs, starting pitcher Max Scherzer left the game after the second inning with right shoulder soreness. He'll undergo an MRI to determine the severity of the injury. Outfielder Quintin Berry also left the game after hurting his shoulder in the seventh inning on an dive attempt. The severity of that injury is also unknown.

The two teams will face each other on Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. ET, with Justin Verlander taking on Brett Anderson.

For more on the Tigers, check out Bless You Boys or stick with SB Nation Detroit. For more news, notes and analysis from around MLB, head over to Baseball Nation.

Quintin Berry Injury: Tigers OF Hurts Shoulder On Dive

Detroit Tigers outfielder Quintin Berry left Tuesday night's game in the seventh inning with an apparent right shoulder injury that he sustained after diving for a ball off the bat of the Oakland Athletics' Josh Reddick. The ball eventually turned into a double and Berry was replaced by Avisail Garcia.

The injury was a disappointing end to a night that saw Berry go 2-for-4 with two RBI in what is shaping up to be an easy victory for the Tigers. Berry entered the game batting .269/.343/.368 with 16 extra base hits and 19 steals. If there's any silver lining for the Tigers, it's that the team has outfield depth and will be able to replace Berry, if he's forced to miss time, as rosters begin to expand in September.

Head over to Bless You Boys for more on the Tigers, and be sure to check out Baseball Nation for more news and analysis from around the majors.

Max Scherzer Injury: Tigers SP Exits Game With Shoulder Fatigue, MRI Scheduled

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Max Scherzer left Tuesday night's game after the second inning with what is being tabbed as shoulder fatigue. Scherzer will undergo an MRI to determine the severity of the injury.

Through two innings on Tuesday night, Scherzer gave up two hits and one earned run while walking one and striking out four. Scherzer exited the game with score tied at one, and he was replaced by Darin Downs, who has held the fort while Detroit has taken a 3-to-1 lead.

Scherzer, of course, has had a breakout season in Detroit in 2012. He entered the night leading the American League in strikeouts, and the Tigers have won 10 of the 13 games that Scherzer has started dating back to the beginning of July.

Head over to Bless You Boys for more on the Tigers, and be sure to check out Baseball Nation for more news and analysis from around the majors.

Alex Avila Injury: Tigers Catcher Not Yet Cleared To Return To Lineup

Originally hopeful to rejoin his teammates on Tuesday for their key series with Oakland, Detroit Tigers catcher Alex Avila was not medically cleared to play and will remain out of the lineup as reported by James Schmel of MLive.com.

Avila left Sunday's game after a scary collision with teammate Prince Fielder, and gave way to backup Gerald Laird behind the plate as expected for Monday's pivotal showdown with the Chicago White Sox. Detroit manager Jim Leyland came to work on Tuesday fully ready to pencil his No. 1 catcher back into the lineup, and was a bit surprised to find out he wouldn't be able to.

"I planned on playing Alex today, but I got here and found out he was not available," Leyland said. "That’s OK. It’s obvious you play Laird."

The Tigers don't plan to recall another catcher in the meantime, and continue to list Avila as day-to-day with a sprained jaw. MLive.com did mention that Avila developed a headache during a Monday batting practice session, but the 25-year-old All-Star managed to fully pass a concussion test shortly after the collision.

With the American League Central threatening to slip away at the moment, the Tigers will certainly need to hope that Avila's injury isn't too serious heading into the final stretch of the season.

Head over to Bless You Boys for more on the Tigers, and be sure to check out Baseball Nation for more news and analysis from around the majors.

Tigers Vs. Athletics: Detroit Hosts Wild Card Leader In Important Series

The Tigers host the Oakland Athletics in a huge three-game series.