Tigers have a division-clinching scenario this week against Guardians

The Detroit Tigers are having one of the best seasons in franchise history in 2025. They are taking on the Cleveland Guardians in a crucial three-game set with just 12 games left to be played. 

Detroit is 85-65, and an uneven 6.5 games ahead of Cleveland for first place in the division. The series runs from Tuesday to Thursday. 

If the Tigers were to sweep the Guardians, they would clinch the American League Central for the first time since 2014. All three games are being played at Comerica Park. Here is the math behind it.

A sweep would give Detroit the season tie-breaker

If the Tigers were to sweep the Guardians, the maximum number of games Cleveland would be able to win is 88. That'd mean Cleveland would have to win its last 10 games of the season just to bring it to the tie-breaker, which Detroit would own in the event of a series sweep. 

The season series between the two AL Central rivals at the moment is 4-3 in favor of the Tigers, which also leaves the possibility of Cleveland overtaking the season series if they take two out of three. 

Cleveland is relying on its starting pitching, Jose Ramirez, and quality defense. They've clawed themselves back into the race by being one of the hottest teams in baseball over the last month. 

Detroit's Tarik Skubal was removed from his last start, but it is being reported as a precautionary measure. 

The Guardians may also be entering the series a little more desperate for wins. They are three games back of the final AL Wild Card. And for Detroit, as much as they want to close this division race out, priority number one is making sure all of their star players are healthy and ready for October. 

The Tigers are also vying to hold onto the number two seed in the American League, which would grant them home-field advantage in at least the divisional series.