As the 2024 MLB regular season winds down, the contours of the postseason are beginning to take shape, with several teams already securing their spots in the October spotlight. The Milwaukee Brewers and New York Yankees led the charge, becoming the first two teams to clinch playoff berths on Wednesday. The Brewers celebrated their triumph by wrapping up the NL Central title, while the Yankees guaranteed themselves a postseason berth.
The Los Angeles Dodgers followed suit, securing their place in the playoffs with a victory over the Miami Marlins on Thursday. This win marked the Dodgers' 12th consecutive postseason appearance, a streak that further solidifies their status as one of MLB's premier franchises. With nine games left in the regular season, the Dodgers have at least secured a wild-card spot and hold a four-game lead in the NL West. They are in a tight race for the National League's top seed, trailing the Philadelphia Phillies by only half a game and sitting 2.5 games ahead of the Brewers for the No. 2 seed.
The Dodgers' postseason march has not been without its challenges. Key pitchers Tyler Glasnow and Gavin Stone, both of whom have pitched over 90 innings this season, are sidelined with arm issues. Additionally, Clayton Kershaw is on the mend from a toe injury. Yet, there are bright spots, such as the return of Yoshinobu Yamamoto from a shoulder injury. The mid-season acquisition of Michael Kopech has also played a critical role in fortifying the Dodgers' bullpen, providing much-needed stability at a crucial juncture of the season.
Another player making history this season is Shohei Ohtani, who notched the first 50-50 season in MLB history, underscoring his exceptional talent and multi-faceted contributions to the sport.
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Guardians secured their postseason ticket with a dramatic extra-innings walk-off win against the Minnesota Twins on Thursday. This victory ensures the Guardians' return to the playoffs after missing out last season, marking their third appearance in the last five attempts. Under the guidance of first-time postseason manager Stephen Vogt, the Guardians aim to reclaim the American League Central title, a crown they have worn five times in the past decade. They are also vying with the Yankees for the top spot in the American League.
The Guardians' journey this season has been a roller-coaster, particularly for their pitching staff. Tanner Bibee stands as the lone survivor from their Opening Day starting rotation. The promising young right-hander has managed to stay healthy and effective, providing a steady presence on the mound. Conversely, Shane Bieber's season came to an abrupt end after just two starts due to season-ending surgery. Other starting pitchers like Triston McKenzie and Logan Allen have faced their own struggles, laboring away in the minors. Veteran pitcher Carlos Carrasco was recently designated for assignment, adding to the turbulence.
Despite these pitching woes, several players have stepped up for the Guardians. José Ramírez continues to be a cornerstone of the lineup, delivering consistent offensive production. Emmanuel Clase has been a force in the bullpen, while Andrés Giménez and Steven Kwan have provided valuable contributions on both sides of the ball.
As the MLB regular season reaches its final stretch, the stage is set for an exhilarating postseason. Teams like the Brewers, Yankees, Dodgers, and Guardians bring rich storylines and high-stakes drama that promise to captivate baseball fans. With key players making comebacks and new stars emerging, the race to the World Series is poised to be as thrilling as ever.