The Tigers inched incrementally closer to the playoffs with Tuesday night's walk-off win over the White Sox, but didn't add anything to their lead in the AL Central, as the Royals managed to keep pace.

Wednesday's series finale pits Justin Verlander against Chris Sale, with the Tigers needing a win  to negate any chance for the Royals to re-tie the division.

Magic number to clinch the AL Central: 5
Games that impact: White Sox at Tigers, 1:08 p.m.; Royals (Vargas) at Indians (Bauer), 7:10 p.m.

Magic number to clinch a playoff berth: 2
Games that impact: Seattle (Walker) at Toronto (Buehrle), 7:10 p.m.

DETROIT TIGERS (87-70):
Ian Kinsler, 2B
Torii Hunter, RF
Miguel Cabrera, 1B
Victor Martinez, DH
J.D. Martinez, LF
Nick Castellanos, 3B
Bryan Holaday, C
Andrew Romine, SS
Rajai Davis, CF

Pitcher: Justin Verlander, RHP (14-12, 4.68 ERA)

CHICAGO WHITE SOX (72-85): 
Adam Eaton, CF
Alexei Ramirez, SS
Jose Abreu, 1B
Conor Gillaspie, 3B
Avisail Garcia, RF
Dayan Viciedo, DH
Jordan Danks, LF
Tyler Flowers, C
Marcus Semien, 2B

Pitcher: Chris Sale, LHP (12-4, 2.20 ERA)