With the Tigers magic number to clinch a playoff berth down to five, it is time to look ahead to the postseason, and more importantly our pitching rotation.  Currently the Tigers have the second best record among division leaders and if the season were to end today, they would host the wild card winning Boston Red Sox.

The Tigers have struggled against the Red Sox this season going 1-5, the worst record against any team for Detroit.  The lone victory was by Justin Verlander on May 29, which was also the last time these two teams played.

Recently the two teams have been on opposite paths, with the Tigers winning 10 straight and growing the lead in the Central to 11.5 games. Boston has gone 2-9 in September with the lead in the Wild Card down to three games over Tampa Bay.

Detroit has had success against the Rays this season, going 6-1 in the season series with the only loss coming in a 10 inning game decided on a fielder’s choice.  All Tigers fans should become Rays fans as the season winds down so we can see Tampa in the playoffs.

As for our potential playoff rotation in the best-of-five ALDS, Justin Verlander will be our number one starter.  Following behind him will be some combination of Max Scherzer and Doug Fister, which will send Brad Penny and Rick Porcello to work out of the bullpen if necessary.

ESPN is saying that even though Fister has proved himself to be the number two guy, Leyland may prefer to start him at home as opposed to on the road.  Of course, the story also contradicts what the standings say and has the Tigers set to face the Yankees in the playoffs, so who knows what will happen come playoff time.