5 reasons the Cleveland Guardians could make a deep playoff run

CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 07: Jose Ramirez #11 of the Cleveland Guardians hits a two RBI home run in the sixth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays in game one of the Wild Card Series at Progressive Field on October 07, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

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CLEVELAND, OHIO – AUGUST 19: Closing pitcher Emmanuel Clase #48 of the Cleveland Guardians celebrates after the last out to end the game and defeat the Chicago White Sox at Progressive Field on August 19, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Guardians defeated the White Sox 5-2. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

The Guardians have the bullpen to back up their aces. Led by closer Emmanuel Clase, who paced the game in saves this year with 42, this group is deep. While they have been dominant for much of the year, they also have not been over-taxed and are not showing signs of slowing down. Their x-factor here might be Sam Hentges, who has been a surprise for them this year, but provides an elite left-handed option that could prove to be pivotal in a short series against teams with left-handed power.