BOSTON — Instant reactions from the Red Sox ’ 2-1 loss to the Tigers on Saturday:

1) Did this game really matter for the Red Sox? Boston would have clinched the fifth seed if it won. With the loss, it remains undetermined whether the Sox will be the fifth or sixth seed. Either way, they will be on the road during the Wild Card round this coming week.

2) The Tigers clinched a spot in the postseason despite a terrible September. They are 7-16 this month. They had an 11 ½-game lead in the AL Central on Aug. 23.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora, whose brother Joey Cora coaches third base for the Tigers, said: “They have a true ace in a short series. So they’re a good team. They’re a really good team. .... But talking to my brother throughout, it’s been a grind for them.”

3) Red Sox starter

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