The Mud Hens return to Fifth Third Field for seven games starting today, and the prognosis for the rest of the season looks dim. With only 15 games left, it is hard to see Toledo claiming the International League’s West Division title, and the Hens have been all but officially eliminated from the Wild Card race.

So why are this week’s games important?

First, a 4-2 road trip and a 14-7 record in August – the best record in the IL – have given the team a chance to reach the .500 mark. At 60-66, the Mud Hens will still need an 11-4 finish to reach break-even, but now at least it seems possible.

Second, this will be the last chance to check out possible promotions to Detroit. After this week, the Mud Hens don’t return home until Sept. 1, and at that point prospects such as Jeimer Candelario likely will be in Detroit.

And third, this week is not just about the Tigers. Indians fans are invited to Fifth Third Field Monday through Thursday to check out possible Columbus players to promote to Cleveland, while Reds fans are invited to take a look at their team’s top prospects in Louisville on the weekend.

Contact John Wagner at jwagner@theblade.com, 419-724-6481 or on Twitter @jwagnerblade.

First Published August 21, 2017, 4:00 p.m.