The Cleveland Guardians have secured a spot in the MLB playoffs for the second year in a row after defeating the Texas Rangers 3-2 on September 27 at Progressive Field. As the regular season draws to a close, the battle for the American League Central Division title remains intense and will be decided on the final day, September 28.
Despite the Guardians’ victory, they did not receive any assistance from the Detroit Tigers, who also secured their place in the postseason as a wild-card team with a 2-1 win over the Boston Red Sox. This leaves Cleveland’s magic number for clinching the division at one. To capture the AL Central title, the Guardians need either a victory against the Rangers or a Tigers loss to the Red Sox on the season’s last day. If both teams finish with identical records, Cleveland would win the division due to holding the head-to-head tiebreaker advantage.
The precise timing and results of the games could play a crucial role. The Guardians will start their game at 3:10 p.m., shortly after the Tigers’ game begins at 3:05 p.m. Many baseball enthusiasts will be watching these games closely as the playoff picture unfolds.
Manager Stephen Vogt of the Guardians emphasized the importance of knowing their situation daily, acknowledging the timing of the season when every game and outcome is significant. The series with the Rangers has seen its ups and downs. Prior to their most recent win, Cleveland lost the series opener against the Rangers and came off a closely contested series against the Tigers.
Meanwhile, in the broader playoff landscape, the Yankees and Blue Jays are set for the postseason, leading the AL East with identical records, though the Blue Jays have the tiebreaker. The Seattle Mariners have already clinched the AL West.
As the regular season wraps up, attention is shifting towards the start of the playoffs on September 30. The wild-card series, a best-of-three battle, will run until October 2, followed by the division series beginning on October 4.
This segment of the MLB season promises high stakes and excitement as teams vie for their shot at the championship, and the Cleveland Guardians certainly look for another deep postseason run.