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 chose not to bolster the roster over the winter, leaving a lackluster lineup to improve through 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 Rangers called to offer him the job.
Nothing predicted a season in which the Rangers would spend all but six days in first place, but now, with a 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Thursday, the club is officially headed for 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, potentially, a first-round bye — in the coming days.
Night, night Sleep tight. 😴#ForTheLand | #GuardiWWins pic.twitter.com/FtwLxNrRtW
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) September 19, 2024
They got here because they boast the league’s best bullpen by far, anchored by closer Emmanuel Clase, who at 26 is already Cleveland’s all-time saves leader. They got here because of four All-Stars in the lineup, with some hot months from Steven Kwan and David Fry, bursts of power from Josh Naylor and the usual firmness of José Ramírez.
They got here because of timely contributions from some once unknown commodities. First-time relievers Cade Smith, Hunter Gaddis and Tim Herrin made wins mere formalities after Cleveland took a lead before the sixth inning. Journeyman pitcher Ben Lively was one of the most consistent performers in the rotation, stepping in when Triston McKenzie and Logan Allen faltered enough to earn a demotion to Triple A. Matthew Boyd helped stabilize that unit after completing his recovery from Tommy John surgery. Stephen Vogt, who retired from a decade-long playing career just two years ago, is tipped to be a finalist for AL Manager of the Year.
Somehow, it all adds up to a team that played over the summer with the Yankees and Orioles for the AL’s top record. The Rangers will be postseason participants for the sixth time in nine seasons.
(Photo: Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty)
