The Toronto Blue Jays have almost caught up to the Cleveland Guardians in the competition for the remaining wild-card position in the American League, but they must put in the effort to maintain their position and hope the Guardians suffer at least one defeat during their double-header on Friday.
As of Friday’s games, Toronto (70-71) and Cleveland (70-70) are tied in wins, but the Guardians have two opportunities to increase their tally as they face off against the Detroit Tigers in a double-header.
Should the Guardians achieve victories in both games against the Tigers, they would end the day with a record of 72-70. The highest Toronto can reach is a win against the Kansas City Royals on Friday, which would elevate them to 71-71 — marking their return to a .500 record for the first time since June.
The Blue Jays, Guardians, and several other teams are all in contention for the third wild-card spot in the American League.
Jays take series against Guardians
This week, Cleveland and Toronto faced off in a three-game series, with the Blue Jays winning two of those games — highlighted by a 6-3 triumph on Thursday afternoon.
Blue Jays closer Louis Varland delivers a pitch in the ninth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. The Jays secured a 6-3 victory. (Sue Ogrocki/The Associated Press)
The Blue Jays will commence a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals on Friday. With 21 games left in the regular season, Toronto needs to continue accumulating wins to keep their playoff aspirations alive.
Six teams from the American League will qualify for the post-season — comprising three division champions and three teams with the best records that are awarded wild-card positions.
The New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox currently have the best records among teams outside of the division-leading Tampa Bay Rays, holding two of those wild-card spots.
The Texas Rangers secured a victory on Thursday, bringing their record to 70-71 and keeping pace with the Blue Jays.
In contrast, the Baltimore Orioles lost to Boston on Thursday, resulting in a season record of 69-72.