With 13 games left in the regular season, the Cleveland Guardians remain in contention for an American League wild-card berth. Trailing the Detroit Tigers for nearly the entire season and currently 6 1/2 games back, Cleveland’s postseason hopes likely hinge on the wild card.
That said, the Guardians have made a strong push over the last week and a half. Cleveland went on a five game winning streak before suffering a close loss to the Kansas City Royals. Since then, they've went on another impressive four game win streak, totaling nine wins in their last 10 games.
During this stretch, Guardians pitching has been outstanding. In the last 10 games, Cleveland pitchers have allowed two runs or fewer in nine games, surrendering four runs once. Tanner Bibee turned in his best performance of the season in his last start, throwing a complete-game shutout against the Chicago White Sox where he allowed just two hits and struck out 10. Joey Cantillo has held opponents to one run or fewer in each of his last four starts. Parker Messick has looked sharp as well, giving up one run or less in four of his last five outings.
Now, Cleveland sits 2 1/2 games back of the final wild-card spot and 1/2 a game behind the Texas Rangers who are also in contention.
In their final 13 games, the Guardians will face Detroit six times, the Minnesota Twins four times, and the Rangers three times. Although matchups against the Tigers and Rangers will pose challenges, Cleveland has a great opportunity to gain ground as they aim to reach the playoffs for the second straight year under manager Stephen Vogt.