The Guardians’ magic number to clinch one of the top two seeds in the American League, thus securing a first-round bye and an automatic spot in the AL Division Series, is at 5 over Houston (82-70), pending the outcome of the final three regular season meetings between the two clubs set for Sept. 27-29 in Cleveland.

After a very slow start to the season, the Houston Astros have once again proven their AL West superiority. Well, almost. Despite having one of the best second halves in baseball, the Astros have yet to secure a spot in the MLB playoffs.

The 2024 MLB postseason is peeking out from over the horizon, and the defending National League champion Arizona Diamondbacks are looking to make another magical postseason run. Much of the circumstance surrounding Arizona's World Series appearance a year ago is happening again in 2024.