The Cleveland Guardians (73-54) lost their last two games against the New York Yankees in the Bronx.
Their offense scored one run in the last two contests against New York’s pitching staff.
At the same time, the Minnesota Twins (71-56) have remained steady and the Kansas City Royals (71-56) won seven of their last 10.
This situation has created a beautiful, exciting three-team race for the AL Central.
Well, it’s exciting and thrilling for the neutral fan.
Guardians supporters probably feel like they have aged 50 years enduring the Twins and now the Royals’ push.
Cleveland is on top, but the Twins and the Royals are only two games out of first place.
35 games left…
Getting tight. pic.twitter.com/0g84gb9riu
— Nick Camino (@NickCaminoWKYC) August 23, 2024
With more than a month of regular season left to play, that’s essentially nothing.
On June 25, the Guardians had a nine-game lead.
That’s why seasons are long, though: to put everything in its respective place.
All things considered, Cleveland may or may not be better than their AL Central counterparts (they, very likely, are), but they certainly aren’t nine games better.
Because of the Wild Card rules, all three teams are currently in possession of a playoff spot.
The Guardians are making it as division leaders, and the Twins and Royals are the second and third-best Wild Cards, respectively, behind the Baltimore Orioles.
There are obvious benefits of winning the division, though, like a first-round bye and the prestige that comes with it.
That’s where these Guardians are shooting.
They are going to need to be more consistent to fend off their two rivals, though.
NEXT: Offense Produces Another Stinker As Guardians Drop Series
