Tigers Clinch AL Central – Cabrera Adds to Triple Crown Numbers

Triple Crown leader Miguel Cabrera, who was 4-for-5 with his 44th home run

While the American League East and American League West division titles are still up for grabs, the American League Central has a 2012 champion. The Detroit Tigers clinched the division crown on Monday night with a 6-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals.

It was an explosive night for Triple Crown leader Miguel Cabrera, who was 4-for-5 with his 44th home run. Cabrera increased his batting average to .329 and knocked in his 137th run.

The 87-73 Tigers can now set their rotation for the postseason. Uber ace Justin Verlander and fellow right-handers Max Scherzer, Doug Fister and Anibal Sanchez give Detroit a formidable October rotation.

Scherzer has been sidelined with shoulder soreness and was slated to start on Wednesday if the Tigers needed him, but now they have secured a post-season spot, they can rest him until Game Two of the ALDS.

With their playoff spot wrapped up, the Tigers can now watch Cabrera strive to win the first Triple Crown in the majors since Boston’s Carl Yastztremski accomplished the feat in 1967.