For the second consecutive season, a team that looked like it cashed in its chips might be hitting the MLB playoff jackpot.
The Cleveland Guardians, sellers at the deadline and dead in the water at the plate most of the season, are on the verge of mimicking the Detroit Tigers’ wild run to the playoffs last year – while putting this year’s Tigers in peril of missing the postseason.
The Guardians are the first team in eight years to have both a 10-game winning streak and 10-game losing streak in the same season, the latter compelling them to sell Shane Bieber and other parts at the trade deadline. But that winning streak? Divinely timed.
They roared up the AL Central standings and drew within one game of the Tigers thanks to that streak, which finally ended Sept. 21. But that couldn’t stop the Guardians from soaring up two spots in USA TODAY Sports’ power rankings.
A look at our updated rankings:
1. Milwaukee Brewers (-)
Brandon Woodruff to the IL, a potentially devastating blow for postseason rotation.
2. Philadelphia Phillies (-)
Not the greatest timing for Nick Castellanos’ brutal honesty.
3. Toronto Blue Jays (-)
Thank goodness for Trey Yesavage: He starts two of the three games they won last week as division lead wobbled but held.
4. Los Angeles Dodgers (+2)
How about a Shohei Ohtani-Clayton Kershaw piggyback situation in a Game 4?
5. Chicago Cubs (-1)
Best hope that clinching hangover doesn’t last too much longer.
6. New York Yankees (+1)
Aaron Judge’s next home run will be his 50th.
7. Seattle Mariners (+3)
About to win the AL West for the first time since 2001.
8. Detroit Tigers (-4)
Charlie Morton released after emotional meeting with longtime manager.
9. Boston Red Sox (-)
Aroldis Chapman has 366 career saves, two shy of Jonathan Papelbon.
10. San Diego Padres (-2)
Just one win shy of clinching playoff berth, even if division is a pipe dream.
11. Cleveland Guardians (+2)
Jose Ramirez the first player since Barry Bonds in 1997 to notch 30-30 season at age 32 or older.
12. Houston Astros (-1)
Framber Valdez’s last start in Houston an absolute dud.
13. New York Mets (+1)
40-30 man Juan Soto stole 15 bags in his last 30 games.
14. Cincinnati Reds (+3)
They’re lining up Hunter Greene – fresh off his first nine-inning shutout – for the playoff opener.
15. Texas Rangers (-3)
Seven-game losing streak at worst possible time ends playoff dream.
16. Arizona Diamondbacks (+)
Corbin Carroll notches franchise’s first 30-30 season.
17. San Francisco Giants (-2)
Where did it go wrong? A combined 7-19 against Dodgers, Padres.
18. Kansas City Royals (-2)
What a rookie season for Noah Cameron: Nine wins, 2.90 ERA, 3.9 WAR.
19. St. Louis Cardinals (-)
John Mozeliak era comes to a quiet conclusion.
20. Miami Marlins (+1)
Have won 10 of 11 and, yes, are still technically alive for a playoff spot.
21. Tampa Bay Rays (-1)
Win Steinbrenner Field finale to finish 41-40 in the Hillsborough County elements.
22. Atlanta Braves (+3)
Well, they just might’ve ruined Detroit’s season, at least.
23. Baltimore Orioles (-1)
Gunnar Henderson’s home run total dropped from 37 to 16.
24. Athletics (-1)
With six games left in Yolo County, Brent Rooker on track to play in all 162 this year.
25. Los Angeles Angels (-1)
As Mike Trout passes 400, fair to wonder how soon he’ll approach 500.
26. Pittsburgh Pirates (+1)
Bubba Chandler with a 0.97 WHIP in 25 innings.
27. Minnesota Twins (-1)
Pablo Lopez gets off IL and then suffers forearm injury.
28. Washington Nationals (-)
If Daylen Lile is the only positive from this season, that’s not a bad bargain.
29. Chicago White Sox (-)
They won 10 more home games than last year. Then again, the bar was low.
30. Colorado Rockies (-)
Hunter Goodman with a 30-homer campaign.