Tigers are, at least, two days away from Central crown

It is almost certain that this weekend, the Detroit Tigers will become the AL Central champions and focus their attention on the playoffs. But for now, the Tigers take it step by step as they shut out the Chicago White Sox last night, 5-0, thanks to the pitching of Justin Verlander, who earned his 23rd win. The AL Central standings show that with the Tigers beating up on the Sox and Cleveland losing to Texas, Detroit's magic number is now at 4, ahead of the Indians. Tigers will wrap up their 3-game series tonight with Chicago, move on to Oakland for a 4-game series and perhaps clinch a division title.

AL EAST - The N.Y. Yankees & Boston both won last night, therefore the Yankees' magci number is down to 12.

AL WEST - The Rangers' magic number is down to only 12, thanks to winning against Cleveland while the L.A. Angels took down Oakland.

AL WILD CARD - As Tampa Bay lost to Baltimore, Boston padded their wild card lead with the magic number of 12.

NL EAST - Philadelphia's magic number stalls at 5 after losing to Houston while Atlanta celebrated another win at Florida.

NL CENTRAL - With Milwaukee & St. Louis both winning, the Brewers' magic number is now at 8

NL WEST - Arizona and San Francisco both won last night, but only the Diamondbacks dropped their magci number down to 6

NL WILD CARD - Braves & Cardinals both won last night, therefore, Atloanta's magic numbered to 6.