Detroit ― Even as the Tigers' lead in the American League Central appears to get more comfortable with each passing day, there could be a lot at stake in this week's series against the Houston Astros.

The series at Comerica Park from Monday through Wednesday between the Astros and Tigers is a meeting of two of the American League's three division leaders, with the stretch run looming. And playoff seeding could be in play.

As records stand today, the Toronto Blue Jays (AL East) would be the No. 1 playoff seed, while the Tigers (AL Central) would be the No. 2 seed. As such, both teams would get a first-round bye in the postseason and, thus, advance straight to the best-of-five AL Division Series.

The division champion with the worst record in each league, currently the Astros in the AL (

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