The Cleveland Guardians have dominated the AL Central division since April.
That’s the vast majority of the regular season there.
However, they have shown signs of stumbling in recent weeks.
As we head into the final month of the 2024 regular season, things couldn’t be closer in the Central.
The Guards were this close to losing first place earlier in the week, but currently enjoy a 2.5-game cushion over the Kansas City Royals and a 3.5-game lead over the third-place Minnesota Twins because all three teams were defeated on Saturday.
“The #Guardians, Royals and Twins all lost tonight. No blood. Cleveland maintains its 2.5 game lead over KC and 3.5 game lead over Minnesota. 26 games to play…” sports anchor Nick Camino posted on X.
The #Guardians, Royals and Twins all lost tonight.
No blood.
Cleveland maintains its 2.5 game lead over KC and 3.5 game lead over Minnesota.
26 games to play… pic.twitter.com/6imiU1hd0c
— Nick Camino (@NickCaminoWKYC) September 1, 2024
That’s better than being tied for the top spot as they were at one point during the Royals series, but the reality indicates there will be a close three-team race in September.
There is a wide array of possibilities for all three squads.
As of Sunday morning, they are all in playoffs spots at the moment: the Guards lead the division and the Royals and Twins hold the second and third Wild Cards, respectively.
The Boston Red Sox is the best of the non-playoff teams right now, and they are 3.5 games behind the Twins.
Any losing streaks, however, could mean one of these AL Central teams is left with no postseason.
That’s why September is so important.
First place could result in a first-round bye, which means risking elimination at a later stage and not in the Wild Card round.
The Guardians still have a lot to play for, and defending that divisional lead at all costs has become an organizational priority.
NEXT: Guardians Expected To Call Up Young Slugger On Sunday
