Cleveland Indians Head to Detroit on Cusp of Clinching Divisional Title

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Sep 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder J.D. Martinez (28) catches a fly ball hit by Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) in the fifth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland has absolutely manhandled Detroit this year to the tune of a 13-2 record, a change of pace for the Indians, who have struggled mightily against the jungle cats in recent years. One of the big reasons that the Indians have been able to dominate the Tigers is because they have been able to contain Miguel Cabrera. Cabrera – who has a career .344 batting average against the Tribe – has batted just .255 this year against them.

Cabrera came into this year with 40 home runs and 129 RBIs against Cleveland, and in 2015 hit .418 with five home runs and 18 RBI. In 15 games in 2016, Miggy has only been able to muster one double and just three RBIs.

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The Indians should all but lock up the AL Central during their series at Comerica, but that does not mean that their job is all the way done in relation to the playoff chase. The Tribe (90-65) currently trails both the Boston Red Sox (92-64) and Texas Rangers (92-64) by a game and a half in the race for the best record in the American League.

Boston opens a three-game series against the New York Yankees in the Bronx on Tuesday, while Texas welcomes the Milwaukee Brewers to Arlington for a three-gamer of their own on Monday night.

Having home-field advantage in the playoffs is crucial for Cleveland, as they currently have the best home record in the American League (53-28). To do so, the club will need to continue to dominate the Tigers as it has all season long.

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Schedule