Guardians’ Epic Comeback: 155 Days Later, Back on Top in AL Central!
Cleveland, OH – September 24, 2025 – The Cleveland Guardians have scripted a comeback for the ages, storming back to first place in the AL Central for the first time in 155 days after a jaw-dropping September surge. With just five games left in the regular season, the Guardians have turned a once-impossible dream into reality, tying the Detroit Tigers at 86-73 but holding the head-to-head tiebreaker (7-5 season series edge). Cleveland is now on the cusp of a third straight postseason berth, with playoff odds soaring to 80.6% per FanGraphs. Here’s everything you need to know about their electrifying playoff push on this pivotal Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
A September to Remember
The Guardians have been nothing short of sensational this month, posting an 18-4 record in September – their best monthly performance since 2017. They’ve outscored opponents 102-53 in their last 22 games, marking the sixth time in franchise history they’ve won 17 or more of their first 22 September contests. Since the trade deadline, Cleveland has been the American League’s hottest team, going 31-18 and erasing a double-digit deficit in the AL Central standings.
This resurgence is a testament to the Guardians’ relentless “Guards Ball” style – scrappy, opportunistic, and fueled by a never-say-die attitude. From José Ramírez’s MVP-caliber bat to Andrés Giménez’s Gold Glove wizardry at second base, the team has leaned on its stars and unsung heroes alike. The bullpen, led by closer Emmanuel Clase’s 45 saves (tops in MLB), has been a lockdown force, while timely hitting and aggressive baserunning have kept opponents on their heels.
Today’s Must-Watch Showdown
Tonight’s game against the Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field (6:40 p.m. ET) is a make-or-break moment in the AL Central race. Right-hander Tanner Bibee (11-11, 4.34 ERA) takes the mound for Cleveland, bringing confidence from his dominant history against Detroit. In two prior starts against the Tigers this season, Bibee is 2-0 with a microscopic 0.69 ERA, striking out 16 in 13 innings. He’ll face Detroit’s Jack Flaherty (8-14, 4.60 ERA), who has struggled against Cleveland’s lineup in recent outings. The betting line favors the Guardians at -144 on DraftKings, reflecting their momentum and home-field advantage.
Tomorrow’s series finale pits rookie left-hander Parker Messick (3-0, 2.08 ERA) against a yet-to-be-named Tigers starter. A sweep of this crucial series could all but lock up the division crown before Cleveland heads to Texas for a season-ending three-game set against the Rangers.
Clinch Scenarios: Playoffs Within Reach
The Guardians are tantalizingly close to securing their postseason fate. Their magic number for a Wild Card spot is just 2 – any combination of two Cleveland wins and Houston Astros losses (currently 82-77) will clinch at least a Wild Card berth, potentially as early as Thursday if Houston falls to the Oakland A’s. With the AL Central tiebreaker in hand, the Guardians are also in prime position to claim the division title. A sweep of Detroit could seal it by the weekend, marking their third playoff appearance in four years.
This comeback is nothing short of historic. On July 1, the Guardians trailed the Tigers by 15.5 games, with their division hopes all but written off. Even in early September, the gap was still in double digits. Yet, manager Stephen Vogt’s squad has defied the odds, blending veteran grit with youthful energy to stage one of the most improbable turnarounds in recent MLB history.
What’s driving this Cinderella story? It starts with leadership. Ramírez, slashing .333/.400/.600 in September, has been a one-man wrecking crew, while young stars like Steven Kwan and Tanner Bibee have stepped up in clutch moments. The team’s “next-man-up” mentality has shone through, with contributions from unlikely heroes like rookie catcher Bo Naylor, who’s hit .280 with 5 homers this month. Defensively, Cleveland’s infield remains a highlight reel factory, with Giménez and shortstop Brayan Rocchio turning double plays that demoralize opponents.
Off the field, the city of Cleveland is buzzing with playoff fever. Fans at Progressive Field have been electric, packing the stands and chanting “Let’s Go Guards!” as the team inches closer to October. Social media is ablaze with posts celebrating the team’s resilience, with hashtags like GuardsBall and ClevelandComeback trending on X.
A win tonight could push the Guardians’ playoff odds even higher and put them on the verge of clinching. If they secure the AL Central, they’ll likely face a Wild Card opponent like the Tampa Bay Rays or Baltimore Orioles, with a chance to host a best-of-three series. For now, all eyes are on Bibee and the bats as Cleveland aims to keep its magical run alive.
The Guardians’ epic comeback has reminded baseball why Cleveland is a force to be reckoned with. Could this be the start of another deep October run? Tune in tonight – the playoff door is wide open. For full standings and updates, visit MLB.com/Guardians
