The Cleveland Guardians have surged back into the American League playoff race, winning 13 of their last 14 games to put themselves on the brink of a potential postseason berth.
Cleveland opened the streak with five straight wins, dropped one, and has since rattled off eight victories in a row. After another win Friday night and a Detroit Tigers loss, the Guardians sit 2 1/2 games back in the AL Central with nine left to play. They also trail the Boston Red Sox and Houston Astros by just 1 1/2 games for the final wild-card spot.
Adding to the drama, Cleveland still has three games remaining against Detroit before the end of the regular season.
If the Guardians can finish their improbable run by clinching a playoff berth, manager Stephen Vogt will have a strong case for American League Manager of the Year. Despite losing Josh Naylor, Andrés Giménez, Matthew Boyd and Scott Barlow in the offseason, the team has stayed competitive. The Guardians also endured the loss of closer Emmanuel Clase and right-hander Luis Ortiz to gambling investigations.
Still, Vogt has guided Cleveland to a 174-140 record in nearly two full seasons. His leadership has helped a roster built on one of baseball’s lowest payrolls punch above its weight. Cleveland ranked 25th in payroll last season and sits 26th this year, relying on stars José Ramírez, Steven Kwan and Clase, along with steady contributions from lesser-known players.
The Guardians remain on the outside looking in, but with nine games left and momentum firmly on their side, Vogt’s work is drawing recognition — and could earn him one of baseball’s top managerial honors.
