BALTIMORE – Matt Vierling may be relatively new to the league, but he’s witnessed quite a bit during his time.

At 28, he stands as one of the seasoned veterans in the Detroit Tigers roster and understands that after 156 games, it’s crucial to stay focused, especially with so much on the line in the remaining six games.

However, he also recognizes that what this team is achieving is not only rare but also incredibly exhilarating, making it hard not to think about the playoffs and the chance for this club to make a postseason appearance after eight years of not even having a winning record.

“I’ve thought about it – how enjoyable it would be to reach that point with this team,” Vierling, the left fielder and cleanup hitter, shared with YSL News Sports. “I’ve tried to keep those thoughts in check to concentrate on daily performance, and that’s part of what makes this team so special.

“But yes, I’ve considered it. I know what it’s like to celebrate and appreciate the hard work after a successful season. It would be amazing to experience that.”

“Here.”

As each day passes, the Tigers’ chances appear to grow stronger.

Remarkably, they enter the last week of the regular season holding a playoff position, following a successful road trip where they secured five out of six victories against fellow postseason competitors Kansas City and Baltimore. They boast a record of 27-11 since August 11 – the best in baseball – and have the league’s top ERA (2.74) during that period.

Since trading No. 2 starter Jack Flaherty to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Tigers have gone 30-18. This trade initially seemed like a setback, as it left them with only two starting pitchers.

What followed?

A series of creative bullpen strategies, several players stepping up at key moments with around 20 home runs each, and many young talents showcasing their potential.

“Trading Jack wasn’t ideal,” admitted Tigers closer Jason Foley, reflecting on the last-minute move before the July 30 trade deadline when the team stood at 52-56. “No one wants to be in a position where you’re selling. It signals that you’re not really in the race for the postseason. But every night, you have to go out and play and win.

“We managed to string together some solid games, consistent weeks, and eventually some productive months, putting ourselves in a great position to combat for a playoff spot.”

Now, as they return home, the Tigers hold an impressive record of 82-74 – their highest since the 2016 season when they won 86 games – after clinching a thrilling 4-3 victory at Camden Yards in front of 44,040 fans. They will close the season with six games at Comerica Park, starting with a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday, featuring assumed Cy Young Award contender Tarik Skubal.

Although they have very little room for error – leading the Minnesota Twins for the final wild card spot by only one game – they have a golden opportunity ahead: their last three games are against the historically poor Chicago White Sox, who have lost 120 games this season.

Recent trends imply they could be more than just an easy win; they could prove to be a formidable challenge.

Playing Without Pressure

A.J. Hinch is no stranger to playoff races and October excitement. He previously guided the Houston Astros to two AM pennants and a 2017 World Series championship, before his exit due to the club’s sign-stealing controversy.

In his fourth season as the Tigers’ manager, Hinch has led teams that recorded win totals of 77, 66, and 78 in his initial three years. This time, he has a handful of promising rookies, alongside a hefty $140 million infield player Javy Baez, who, unfortunately, had been underperforming before undergoing season-ending hip surgery on August 23.

Still, despite featuring three rookies and a second-year player in the lineup, Hinch believes his group is primed for the final stretch.

“This last week feels just like the past six weeks. We’ve operated in an all-out mode, focused on winning, treating it almost like we’re in the playoffs already,” said Hinch, referencing their recent sweep of the Royals in Kansas City, which transformed the Royals’ standings dramatically. “We’ve faced new, intense environments like San Diego and Baltimore, and I think this final week will be no different – prepare and aim for maximum wins.”

If the Tigers secure one more win than the Twins or Royals – they cannot afford any ties due to losing tiebreakers against both teams – they could be a force to reckon with. Detroit embodies the quintessential playoff team in this expanded era: a club that has clawed for its spot for weeks, entering the postseason on a high, and prepared for the pressure of do-or-die scenarios.

Vierling is all too familiar with this feeling. A member of the 2022 Philadelphia Phillies, he experienced the excitement of scraping into the playoffs with 87 wins, culminating in a run to Game 6 of the World Series.

While this Tigers team may lack mega-stars like Bryce Harper or Zack Wheeler, they have arguably the best pitcher in Skubal ready to take the mound for Game 1.

There’s a carefree attitude surrounding a franchise that hasn’t seen playoff action since 2014.

“In Philadelphia, we experienced something similar: it had been 11 years since we last were there. We were confident in our talent. We just needed to get in,” states Vierling. “We feel the same now; it feels like we’re playing with house money. No one saw this coming. We just want to keep this momentum alive and explore where it could take us.”

“It’s important to say: No pressure, no fear.”

‘I adore this team’

The series finale on Sunday in Baltimore was a reflection of the team’s journey—especially since they may face off against the Orioles in a wild-card series. The team utilized six pitchers against the Orioles, none of whom managed to pitch more than seven outs. Kerry Carpenter hit two home runs, with the latter one breaking the tie and securing the lead for Detroit after second-year center fielder Parker Meadows made an incredible catch to deny Baltimore’s Colton Cowser a two-run homer.

All of this seemed unbelievable on July 30.

According to Flaherty’s stats, he had a 2.95 ERA and averaged nearly six innings over his 18 starts; his move to L.A. left Detroit with only two regular starting pitchers: Skubal and rookie right-hander Keider Montero.

To fill the gaps, they relied on a mix of semi-starters and openers.

This isn’t the same Tigers team known for Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander, but instead features Beau Brieske (no earned runs in the last 13 innings), Tyler Holton (who started two of the last three games), and Sean Guenther (with a 1.04 ERA in 14 games). Rookies like Brenan Hanifee and Ty Madden have stepped up and taken on more critical roles.

The trade involving Flaherty also brought them their current starting shortstop: Trey Sweeney, previously a non-essential player with the Dodgers, now plays an important role for Detroit.

Feeling excited yet? Hinch certainly is.

“I really admire this team,” Hinch expresses. “I love how we’re approaching each game like it’s our last. That’s our mentality, and it’s how we will continue to play.”

“We give it our all every single day.”

Earlier on Sunday, Hinch did something that hadn’t been seen in weeks: he named all three starting pitchers for the series against Tampa Bay. With right-hander Reese Olson returning from an eight-week shoulder injury, the Tigers are temporarily putting away the old label of “TBA”; Skubal, Montero, and Olson will face the Rays.

However, the team’s ability to adapt has proven beneficial.

Vierling reflected on this recently, noting that just a couple of months ago, Sweeney was in Oklahoma City playing for the Dodgers’ AAA team. Now, he’s making crucial game-saving plays.

“It’s remarkable to see where these players have come from and understand that it’s a long season, right? A lot can happen. A lot can change.”

“We’ve had our challenges. After the trade deadline, we managed to stay afloat, and things started picking up. It’s been great to witness how these guys have harnessed that momentum and brought such energy to the team.”

Certainly, the struggles of the Twins (with 11 losses in their last 16 games) and the Royals (losing seven in a row) have opened opportunities. But the Tigers have seized these chances, playing with evident determination and not stopping to worry about their fortune. By next Sunday, they will likely be getting ready for travel with big plans ahead, knowing their journey will continue as long as they maintain this balance.

“We’re in sync here,” Meadows remarks. “The chemistry on this team is fantastic, and we’re having a blast while supporting one another.”

“It feels surreal. But we’ll keep doing our part and keep winning games.”