Guardians Among Biggest Risers In Latest Power Rankings

We have reached the point of the MLB season where one week of games can make all the difference. A team can reassert itself as a playoff contender with a hot streak while another can fall out of the mix with a bad stretch of games.

The Cleveland Guardians find themselves on the right side of that equation, riding a five-game winning streak. They have moved back into second place in the AL Central, just 2.5 games behind the Chicago White Sox, and have regained the final AL Wild Card spot.

That is why the Guardians are among the biggest risers in Bleacher Report’s latest power rankings, moving up to No. 13 from No. 19.

“The Guardians (2-1 vs. SF, 3-0 at COL) and Rangers (2-1 vs. WAS, 2-1 vs. LAA) were the biggest risers in this week’s rankings, with both jumping up from the ‘Facing an Uphill Battle’ tier. The two clubs are currently tied for the third AL wild-card spot, while the Rangers also share the AL West lead with the Astros,” Joel Reuter wrote.

Just one week ago, the Guardians were fourth in the division, 5.5 games behind the White Sox. Cleveland was also sixth in a seven-team race for the final AL Wild Card.

Now, after ending a homestand with a win against the San Francisco Giants, sweeping the Colorado Rockies, and winning the series opener against the Los Angeles Angels, things have changed dramatically for the Guardians. That is true for some of their competition as well.

For example, the Detroit Tigers led Cleveland in the division and the wild card race, but after losing six straight and nine out of 10, the Tigers are seven games behind the White Sox and 4.5 games behind the Guardians for the wild card. Detroit is at No. 22 in these power rankings.

The Guardians’ resurgence has surprisingly been led by their offense, which has been an issue for the entire season. But with leadoff hitter Steven Kwan having one of the best two months of his MLB career, and trade deadline arrival Jo Adell finding his form with his new team, Cleveland has been able to take advantage of a soft spot in its schedule.

That should continue for a little bit longer with two games remaining against the Angels before the Guardians open a crucial 10-game homestand against the Kansas City Royals.