Two weeks ago, the Cleveland Indians entered what appeared to be a season-defining stretch.
And all things considered, they came out of it pretty well.
Totaling a 6-5 record in 11 games against the Minnesota Twins, Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, the Indians not only managed to keep their heads above water, but at one point passed Minnesota for first place in the American League Central. While Cleveland's time in first place was short-lived, at the very least, the Indians seemed well-positioned to run away with a Wild Card spot during what appeared to be an easier portion of their schedule.
Emphasis on appeared.
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After an off day in New York on Monday, only three games stood between the Indians and a return to Progressive Field. Those three games, however, ultimately resulted in the Indians being swept by the Mets, bringing them back to Cleveland 3.5 games back of the Twins and a half-game back of both the Tampa Bay Rays and Oakland Athletics for a Wild Card spot.
If the playoffs started today, the Indians would be sitting at home for the first time since 2015.
Fortunately for the Tribe, its season doesn't end on Friday. In fact, the Indians still have 34 games left on their schedule beginning with this weekend's three-game series with the Kansas City Royals. After that, they'll hit the road for a pair of three-game series' in Detroit and Tampa Bay before hosting the Chicago White Sox for four games in Cleveland.
By the time the Indians head to Minnesota for a three-game series on Sept. 6, they'll have a clear idea whether or not they're still within striking distance of the Twins. With six games remaining against Minnesota and a relatively manageable schedule ahead otherwise, Cleveland still has plenty of opportunities ahead.
But it can't afford to keep suffering setbacks like the one it endured in the Big Apple this week.