Detroit Tigers could be in first place by Wednesday night. Wait, what?

There are seven teams on pace to lose 100 games this Major League Baseball season. The Tigers, much to the surprise of many, aren't one of those teams.

At least not yet.

In fact, if things fall right over the next few days, the Tigers could be back in first place this late in the season for the first time since May 16, 2015.

The Tigers are scheduled to open a three-game series against the defending division champion Indians on Monday night (weather permitting).

The series wraps up Wednesday afternoon. If the Tigers sweep Cleveland, and the Twins lose two of their next three (hosting the Mariners for one and then the Cardinals for two), Detroit would tie the Tribe for first in the Central at 20-22 with Minnesota a half-game behind.

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Don't act like this is impossible. The Indians are 4-6 in their last 10, and that includes getting swept last week.

Granted, that was in New York against the Yankees, who are tied for the best record in baseball.

We know, we know. The Tigers don't have the look of a first-place squad. Or the starting rotation. Or the lineup. Or the bullpen. Or the ... well, you get the point.

And don't worry, we're not overlooking the fact the Tigers were swept out of Cleveland for four straight last month. Nor are we glossing over the fact that Detroit hasn't even announced which pitcher will start Wednesday's matinee.

We're just saying there's a chance, as slight as it might be.

Contact Kirkland Crawford: kcrawford@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @HiKirkHere.