Opposite dugout: Fast-closing Tigers boast a formidable offensive attack

Manager: Brad Ausmus (3rd season)

Record: 75-64

Last 10 games: 6-4

Who to watch: RF J.D. Martinez (.319, 20 HR, 56 RBIs), 1B Miguel Cabrera (.315/.389/.553 with 31 HR, 87 RBIs), DH Victor Martinez (.293 with 25 HR, 75 RBIs), 2B Ian Kinsler (25 HR, 72 RBIs), LF Justin Upton (22 HR, 70 RBIs), RHP Michael Fulmer (10-6, 2.77 ERA), RHP Justin Verlander (14-7, 3.28 ERA), RHP Francisco Rodriguez (39 saves, 2.81 ERA)

Season series vs. Orioles: 1-3

Pitching probables:

Sept. 9: RHP Kevin Gausman vs. RHP Michael Fulmer, 7:10 p.m., MASN2
Sept 10: RHP Ubaldo Jimenez vs. RHP Jordan Zimmermann, 7:10 p.m., MASN2
Sept. 11: RHP Chris Tillman vs. RHP Justin Verlander, 1:10 p.m., MASN

Inside the Tigers:

On Aug. 21, the night they beat the Red Sox to begin a five-game winning streak, the Tigers were seven games out of the American League Central lead and on the periphery of the wild card discussion. But by winning 11 of their next 16 games, the Tigers have charged into wild card contention and are within striking distance of the first-place Indians in the division. It'll take a collapse in Cleveland for the AL Central crown to make its way to Comerica Park, but this weekend's three-game series against the Orioles looms as vitally important to both teams. The Orioles possess a one-game lead over the Tigers for the second wild card heading into Friday night's opener. With a little over three weeks to go in the season, such head-to-head battles could be critical.

It's taken most of the season, but the Tigers offense is clicking on all cylinders. Left fielder Justin Upton, a big free agent signing in the offseason, is hitting .291 in September with three home runs and eight RBIS. Since returning from the disabled list with a fractured right elbow in early August, right fielder J.D. Martinez has upped his average to .319. Steady first baseman Miguel Cabrera might not be challenging for a batting title any more, but he recently hit his 300th career home run and has five multiple-homer games this season to go along with team-leading marks of 31 homers and 87 RBIs. Designated hitter Victor Martinez is enjoying his usually productive season, slashing .293/.349/.475 with 25 homers and 75 RBIs. Second baseman Ian Kinsler boasts 25 homers and 72 RBIs. The Tigers don't hit as many homers as the Orioles do, but they're eighth in the majors with 183 longballs and have five players with 20 or more blasts. Their .267 average is the third-best in the bigs. In short, they are a most formidable offense.

With more effective pitching, perhaps the Tigers could be neck and neck with the Indians atop the Central. But the Orioles will face three very good pitchers this weekend. Righty Michael Fulmer, Friday night's starter, is a Rookie of the Year candidate, though he seems to have hit a wall late in the season and is 1-5 in his last six starts. He lasted 4 1/3 innings in an eventual Detroit win at Camden Yards on May 15, his lone non-decision in a string of six straight victories. Right-hander Jordan Zimmermann missed all of July with a neck strain and most of August with a right lat strain; Saturday will mark his return from the latter. He's 0-2 in his last four starts and was touched for six runs on six hits in 1 2/3 innings in his last outing on Aug. 4. Given that he spent most of his career in Washington, Zimmermann has faced the Orioles a lot - he's 2-3 with a 4.54 ERA in six career starts. Veteran righty Justin Verlander, Detroit's winningest pitcher, starts Sunday's series finale. He's 7-1 over his last 13 outings and hasn't lost since Aug. 16. In five of his last six starts, Verlander has worked at least seven innings. Since June 26, he's allowed more than two runs only once.

Closer Francisco Rodriguez notched his 425th career save on Monday, moving into fourth place on the all-time list. He's got 39 saves in 43 chances, and his next save will give the former Oriole his fifth 40-save season.