The Detroit Tigers lost. The Kansas City Royals won. The division race got tighter. But the Tigers still took one step toward earning at least a wild card berth in the playoffs Monday night thanks to a 14-4 loss the Seattle Mariners suffered to the Toronto Blue Jays.

With six games remaining this season, here is how the playoff picture looks for the Detroit Tigers:

Central Division race

The Tigers lead the Royals by one game in the American League Central Division standings.

Monday's results

White Sox 2, Tigers 0

Indians 4, Royals 3 (completion of suspended game)

Royals 2, Indians 0

Magic number to clinch a playoff spot

Four: Any combination of Tigers wins and Mariners losses that adds up to four means the Tigers will earn at least a wild card spot.

Earliest the Tigers could clinch a wild card spot: Wednesday

Magic number to win the division

Six: Any combination of Tigers wins and Kansas City Royals losses that adds up to six means the Tigers will win the division.

Earliest the Tigers could clinch a division title: Thursday

Wild card picture

The Oakland Athletics hold a one-game lead over the Royals for the first wild card spot. The Royals hold a two-game lead over the Mariners for the second wild card spot.

Most likely playoff scenario for the Tigers

The Tigers still lead the Royals in the division, so they are the favorites to win it. If they do so, they will open play in the five-game AL Division Series on the road, most likely against the Baltimore Orioles. The Division Series is scheduled to start Oct. 2. Comerica Park would play host to Game 3 on Oct. 5 and, if necessary, Game 4 on Oct. 6.

Games remaining for the Tigers

• White Sox at Tigers (LHP David Price vs. RHP Scott Carroll), 7:08 p.m. Tuesday

• White Sox at Tigers (RHP Justin Verlander vs. LHP Chris Sale), 1:08 p.m. Wednesday

• Twins at Tigers (RHP Max Scherzer vs. RHP Trevor May), 7:08 p.m. Thursday

• Twins at Tigers (RHP Rick Porcello vs. RHP Anthony Swarzak), 7:08 p.m. Friday

• Twins at Tigers (LHP Kyle Lobstein vs. RHP Ricky Nolasco), 7:08 p.m. Saturday

• Twins at Tigers (LHP David Price vs. RHP Kyle Gibson), 1:08 p.m. Sunday

Games remaining for the Royals

• Royals at Indians (RHP Yordano Ventura vs. RHP Danny Salazar), 7:05 p.m. Tuesday

• Royals at Indians (LHP Jason Vargas vs. RHP Trevor Bauer), 7:10 p.m. Wednesday

• Royals at White Sox (RHP James Shields vs. RHP Hector Noesi), 8:10 p.m. Thursday

• Royals at White Sox (RHP Jeremy Guthrie vs. LHP John Danks), 8:10 p.m. Friday

• Royals at White Sox (LHP Danny Duffy vs. RHP Chris Bassitt), 7:10 p.m. Saturday

• Royals at White Sox (RHP Yordano Ventura vs. RHP Scott Carroll), 2:10 p.m. Sunday

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