BALTIMORE (AP) -- The Baltimore Orioles enter the postseason brimming with confidence.

The Orioles went 96-66 and cruised to their first AL East title since 1997 with a standard formula for success: a power-laden lineup, strong pitching and solid defense.

They have no reason to believe anything will change in the playoffs, even though they will begin the AL division series against Detroit on Thursday without three former All-Stars -- catcher Matt Wieters, third baseman Manny Machado and first baseman Chris Davis.

Wieters underwent season-ending elbow surgery in May, Machado was lost in August with a torn knee ligament and Davis is serving a 25-game suspension for using amphetamines.

Center fielder Adam Jones says, "We've got guys that can fill in."

Especially Steve Pearce, an invaluable sub-turned-starter who hit .293 with 21 homers.

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