The Cleveland Guardians lost their ace for the season a week and a half into the schedule. Their rotation remained in flux all summer. The front office opted not to bolster the roster over the winter, leaving a lackluster lineup to improve by internal development or some sort of wizardry. They filled their bullpen with rookies. They hired a new manager who was shoveling cow manure when the Guardians called to offer him the job.
Nothing portended a season in which the Guardians would spend all but six days in first place, but now, with a 3-2 win over the Minnesota Twins on Thursday, the club is officially headed to the playoffs. They’ve held at least a share of the American League Central lead since mid-April, and they can sew up a division title — and, perhaps, a first-round bye — in the coming days.
They’ve arrived here because they boast the league’s best bullpen, by far, anchored by closer Emmanuel Clase, who at 26 years old is already Cleveland’s all-time saves leader. They’ve arrived here because of four All-Stars in the lineup, with a few torrid months from Steven Kwan and David Fry, power bursts from Josh Naylor and the customary steadiness from José Ramírez.
Night, night. Sleep tight. 😴#ForTheLand | #GuardiWWins pic.twitter.com/FtwLxNrRtW
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) September 19, 2024
They’ve arrived here because of timely contributions from some once-unknown commodities. First-time relievers Cade Smith, Hunter Gaddis and Tim Herrin have made victories mere formalities once Cleveland grabs a lead before the sixth inning. Journeyman pitcher Ben Lively has been one of the most consistent performers in the rotation, stepping in when Triston McKenzie and Logan Allen floundered enough to earn demotions to Triple A. Matthew Boyd has helped to stabilize that unit after completing his recovery from Tommy John surgery. Stephen Vogt, who retired from a decade-long playing career only two years ago, figures to be a finalist for AL Manager of the Year.
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Somehow, that all adds up to a team that has jockeyed throughout the summer with the Yankees and Orioles for the AL’s top record. The Guardians will be postseason participants for the sixth time in nine seasons.
(Photo: Lauren Leigh Bacho / Getty)
