Sweep of Red Sox shows that Tigers should not sell

7:23 PM ET

BOSTON — As the Detroit Tigers navigate the organizational tightrope-walking act of establishing a position heading into the trade deadline, the players are busy making a case of their own. Wednesday’s 4-3 victory against the Boston Red Sox, which completed a series sweep against the league’s top run-producing offense, was a good example of why the Tigers should not cut bait on this season and sell.

With just days remaining before the Aug. 1 trade deadline, the Tigers roll into an off day on Thursday having recorded five wins during a seven-game road trip. Confidence is high, optimism is reaching an apex, and the club is gaining ground on the Cleveland Indians. Improving to 54-48, the Tigers are now 4.5 games behind the AL Central-leading Tribe and just 2.5 games back in the wild-card standings.

Earlier in the week, general manager Al Avila said he views standing pat at the trade deadline as the “most realistic option,” but perhaps this team has given him something to think about?

“You can’t get caught up in day-to-day — you still have to look at the big picture — but the more we win going to the deadline, [it] certainly doesn’t hurt,” manager Brad Ausmus said.

Tigers starter Michael Fulmer went 7 2/3 innings against the Red Sox, allowing three runs on seven hits. He struck out three and did not allow a walk. Adam Glanzman/Getty Images

Pitching has been sufficiently strong, and when it has faltered, the offense has reciprocated with timely hitting. On Wednesday, rookie Michael Fulmer limited the Red Sox to three runs in 7 2/3 innings …

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