Tigers aren’t celebrating rise in WC standings

MINNEAPOLIS — The visiting clubhouse at Target Field was far from celebration central for the Tigers on Thursday night like it has been in the past, when they clinched the American League Central title here a few years ago. No one was carrying manager Brad Ausmus in for a moonwalk.

Other than a mention of the standings, there was no sign that the Tigers — having swept a doubleheader from the Twins after a 4-2 victory in the nightcap — had shifted into the second AL Wild Card spot and a half-game lead over the Orioles.

And yet, compared to the silent clubhouse in Cleveland on Saturday after Justin Verlander’s previous start, it was jubilant.

“I don’t think it’s any different,” Verlander said after his 11 strikeouts in six innings in the nightcap. “I think this ballclub is kind of unique. Everything is matter of fact. You’ve got the end goal and we’re all working towards that, and I don’t think anybody’s going to let ups and downs, ebbs and flows get to you until the end of the season.

“Hopefully we celebrate and get to pop some bottles. But until that time comes, it’s on to the next one every day.”

Even if they didn’t exalt in it, what the Tigers did here meant something. It wasn’t simply about taking care of business with a series sweep. They were a wounded club, …

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