The Cleveland Guardians are making their move at exactly the right time. With 13 games left in the regular season, they’ve closed to within 2 1/2 games of that final American League wild-card spot.
It’s been quite a turnaround. Cleveland trailed the Detroit Tigers for most of the season and still sits 6 1/2 games back in the division. But the wild card? That’s looking more realistic by the day.
The Guardians have won nine of their last 10 games, including back-to-back winning streaks of five and four games. The only blemish was a close loss to Kansas City that barely slowed them down.
Pitching Staff Hits Its Stride
What’s driving this surge? The pitching has been lights out.
Cleveland’s staff has allowed two runs or fewer in nine of those last 10 games. They gave up four runs exactly once during that stretch – that’s the kind of consistency that wins in September.
Tanner Bibee delivered his best performance of the season in his most recent start, throwing a complete-game shutout against the Chicago White Sox. Two hits allowed, 10 strikeouts. That’ll play.
Joey Cantillo has been even more consistent, holding opponents to one run or fewer in each of his last four starts. Parker Messick isn’t far behind, giving up one run or less in four of his last five outings.
When your rotation’s rolling like that, good things happen.
The Path Forward
Cleveland now sits just half a game behind the Texas Rangers, who are also fighting for that final playoff spot. The math is straightforward – keep winning, and they’re in control of their destiny.
The schedule sets up interestingly. Cleveland faces Detroit six times in these final 13 games, along with four against Minnesota and three head-to-head with Texas.
Those matchups against the Tigers and Rangers won’t be easy – both teams have plenty to play for. But that’s also Cleveland’s opportunity to gain ground directly against their competition.
For Stephen Vogt and the Guardians, it’s a chance to reach the playoffs for the second straight year. The way they’re playing right now, they’ve got to like their chances.
