Dillon Dingler delivered the moment Detroit needed, belting a 401-foot go-ahead homer in the sixth to lift the Tigers 6-3 over the Guardians in Game 3 of the AL Wild Card Series. He also gunned down José Ramírez at second to kill a rally, helping Detroit punch its ticket to the Division Series in Seattle.

The moment was personal for Dingler, who grew up rooting for Cleveland. His postseason breakout, paired with trusted defense behind the plate and support from A.J. Hinch and the pitching staff, underscored Detroit’s late-season surge and sent a jolt of momentum into the next round.

Detroit gutted its rotation and bullpen at the deadline, then DFA’d Morton after nine rough starts (7.09 ERA). Rainey was promoted from Toledo to shore up relief as Finnegan’s role wobbles. Cleveland is clawing back in the AL Central, and the Tigers’ plan for a Zac Gallen-type ace looks overstretched.

Morton’s exit highlights a deadline that didn’t deliver, with a taxed bullpen and a rotating cast trying to hold the line. Detroit now searches for stability down the stretch.