Work is not done, Guardians still have something to play for in season's final week

The 2024 MLB regular season is entering its final week, and the Cleveland Guardians find themselves in a great spot. With a playoff berth secured and the American League Central division title clinched, it may not seem like the Guardians have much to play for in the next five games. However, that is not at all accurate.

With a 90-67 and currently holding the second-best record in the American League, the Guardians are close to securing something that would help their chances in October. A first-round bye in the AL Playoffs.

The Guardians' magic number to securing that bye is at 2 right now, with the only other team possibly interfering with a clinch being the Houston Astros. Houston is 85-71 on the year and is 4.5 games back of Cleveland for the second overall spot in the American League. When taking Cleveland's lead for that spot and how many games remain in the season, it seems like this should end up working in their favor.

Even though it does appear the Guardians will bypass the Wild Card round, it is not guaranteed. Cleveland still has a brief two-game series with the Cincinnati Reds before ending the year against the above-mentioned Astros. Should things get dicey for any reason, that three-game set with Houston to close out the regular season could make the difference between when Cleveland's postseason begins.

Cleveland most focus on what they can control at this time and hope the Seattle Mariners can take at least game from the Astros before Houston comes to town later this week. Going full force into the next three games or so with two days at the end to give a few guys rest would be much preferred over having to battle it out with Houston this upcoming weekend.

Securing a first-round bye in the postseason is not a make-or-break proposition for the Guardians, but having that in hand would make anyone and everyone feel much better about their chances of advancing. This is a team that has battled throughout this season to get where they are, and if they can manage to have a little break before a playoff run, it would certainly be one that is earned.