CLEVELAND, Ohio — Statistically, a win in April means as much as a win in September. It does not necessarily generate the same emotion.

A one-run win in the chill of April at Progressive Field is a good thing. Yet with a seemingly endless number of games still to be played, it can lose some significance.

Then comes a game like the Guardians’ 4-3 loss to the Royals on Wednesday night. With just 17 games left in the season, and the uphill battle to reach the postseason getting steeper, not only can it be deflating, but it can steal hope from a team that needs as much as it can get.

The Guardians had won five straight and 10 of their last 15 games before Wednesday. They were in the wild-card fast lane, passing Tampa Bay and the Royals to get closer to Texas, while chasing Seattle for the third and final wild card spot in the American League.

Wednesday’s loss cost them, dropping them from 2 1/2 games to 3 1/2 games behind Seattle, which beat St. Louis in 13 innings. The Royals, meanwhile, moved to within a half-game of the Guards.

After Thursday’s season finale against the Royals, the Guardians play three games against the White Sox, six against Detroit, four against the Twins and three against Texas to end the regular season at Progressive Field.

The swing of emotions is hard to handle for a player or manager.

“It’s really hard, but you have to do it,” said manager Stephen Vogt. “You have to continue to be the same every day. There’s no quitting.

“You show up every day expecting to win. Some games are going to hurt more than others, but you have a game tonight and you have to be ready.”

The Guardians since the start of the season have talked about playing every game like a playoff game. Now they have no choice.

“When you stick to your routines, no matter what type of game it is, no matter what the stakes are, then it’s not as loud. It’s not as intense no matter where you are on the schedule,” said Vogt. “We feel the weather. It feels like Fall and it’s awesome.

“We know everybody’s got the countdown. We know where we are on the calendar, but that doesn’t change our mindset. We’re going to go out and play like we did in April, in May, and we’re going to take it one game at a time.”

Medical update

Shortstop Gabriel Arias was not in the starting lineup Thursday for the third straight night because of a sore right wrist.

“He’s feeling really good,” said Vogt. “He had a good day Wednesday and if everything goes well today, he could be ready to come off the bench tonight or play on Friday.”

Left-hander John Means threw a bullpen session Wednesday, but it has not been determined what his next step will be. Means, who had to take a couple of days off because of illness, underwent Tommy John surgery on his left elbow in 2024.

The Guardians are still trying to schedule a foot specialist to see outfielder Lane Thomas (plantar fasciitis). He had to stop his rehab assignment late last week with Double-A Akron because he couldn’t run.

What a relief

The Guardians have a habit of finding productive relievers from outside the organization year in and year out.

This year they’ve done it with Everyday Matt Festa. They’ve also done it with Jakob Junis.

“We originally signed Junis to be a long man and sometimes starter,” said Vogt.

Junis, however, has turned out to be a lot more versatile than that. He’s given the Guardians length when they’ve needed it, and he’s also pitched in leverage situations.

In a career-high 53 games, Junis has gone 3-1 with a 2.80 ERA (19 earned runs in 61 innings). He’s struck out 46, walked eight and earned a career-high five holds.

“Jakob is one of those guys who just likes to pitch,” said Vogt.

FinallyJose Ramirez needs two homers to reach the third 30-30 season (30 homers, 30 stolen bases) in his career. He already has 37 steals.Only four players have recorded three or more 30-30 seasons — Bobby and Barry Bonds have five each, while Alfonso Soriano and Howard Johnson have four each.Since the start of the 2013 season, Steven Kwan and Nolan Jones lead MLB outfielders with 31 assists.Kyle Manzardo is hitting .282 (40 for 142) with four doubles, 11 homers and 30 RBI since the All-Star break. Manzardo leads the team with a .920 OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage) since the break.

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