© David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Guardians Eliminated From Postseason Contention, Twins Clinch American League Central
This was supposed to be the season that the Cleveland Guardians proved their playoff run in 2022 was no fluke. It was assumed by some that the Guardiac Kids would take a step forward in development, solidify themselves as one of MLB's best teams, and make some noise come October.
Instead, Cleveland took a step back in almost every facet, while suffering numerous injuries to their starting rotation. They couldn't overcome these downfalls and now the Guardians will shift their mindset to the 2024 season.
The Minnesota Twins defeated the Los Angeles Angels on Friday night, which made them American League Central Champions and eliminated the Guardians from postseason contention.
Cleveland was in the hunt for the A.L. Central crown for the majority of the season, but was never able to catch the Twins. The Guardians only spent 10 total days this season in first place and their largest lead was just a 0.5 game (which came back on July 13).
Once the Twins beat Cleveland in their final series of the season during the first week of September, it was just a formality until Minnesota clinched.
May 6, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) eludes a tag attempt by Minnesota Twins third baseman Jose Miranda (64) in the fourth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
© David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Winning the American League Central means the Twins will head to the postseason for the first time since the 2020 season. However, the division has been ridiculed by fans and national media members all season long for it being one of the worst divisions in all of baseball.
The Twins currently hold an 82-72 record which is the lowest of all division leaders in baseball. They still got the job done and will now have the opportunity to complete what every player dreams of which is winning a World Series.
