The Cleveland Guardians clinched a playoff spot this past Thursday vs. Minnesota and now are just 1 win away from being AL Central champions. The Guardians secured their 90th win last night vs. St. Louis, and now have 14 more wins than last season. Cleveland has come from behind 42 times to win, which is the best mark in MLB.
The team has overcome a lot of challenges, and yet they've been in 1st place since mid-April. Injuries to the pitching staff and other key players, 1st year manager in Stephen Vogt, rookies making significant contributions, and an AL Central which has been very competitive, so much so that it looks like 3 teams will make the playoffs.
There weren't high expectations going into the 2024 season, which makes this edition of Guardians' baseball all the more enjoyable. Given that the bullpen has been the bedrock of this team, with its #1 ranking in MLB, Cleveland might be an underdog to many pundits, but for those who have watched this team over the course of the season know that these Guardians are very capable of surprising the entire baseball world.
Go Guardians!! Playoffs 2024!!