CLEVELAND — With the Cleveland Guardians still in first place as the 2024 MLB season nears its end, their magic number for clinching the American League Central Division is coming into focus.
With a 4-3 win over the Minnesota Twins on Monday night and a loss by the Kansas City Royals, the Guardians trimmed their magic number to seven.
Any combination of Guardians wins and Royals losses equaling seven would hand Cleveland the AL Central Division crown.
However, the Cleveland Guardians can clinch a spot in the playoffs as early as Wednesday.
Cleveland's record is now an impressive 87-64. The Guards have a five-game lead over the Kansas City Royals in the AL Central.
Cleveland ranks second in the American League, .5 games behind the New York Yankees.
The Guardians' magic number to clinch one of the top two seeds in the American League is also seven. If they clinch one of the top two seeds, they will automatically secure a first-round bye and a spot in the AL Division Series with home-field advantage.
The Guardians will be back in action tonight at Progressive Field for the second game of a four-game series. The game is set to start at 6:40 p.m. with Gavin Williams on the mound for the Guards.
