CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Guardians’ regular-season finale against the Rangers on Sunday will decide how their October journey begins, with outcomes in both Cleveland and Boston (against Detroit) set to shape the postseason path.
By the end of the day, the American League Central crown and the right to host a wild card series will be settled.
The permutations are straightforward, yet they paint four very different pictures of who’s traveling and who’s unpacking for October baseball in Cleveland:
If the Guardians and Tigers both win: Cleveland clinches the division and would host the Red Sox.If the Guardians win and the Tigers lose: Cleveland secures the division and would host Detroit in the wild card series.If the Guardians lose and the Tigers win: Detroit claims the division, sending Cleveland on the road to face the Tigers.If both the Guardians and Tigers lose: Cleveland still takes the division and hosts Detroit.
That means the Guardians’ destiny isn’t fully in their own hands, but a win Sunday guarantees they’ll play postseason baseball at home. The only question left is the opponent.
MLB sets wild card stage
Major League Baseball on Sunday announced the broadcast schedule for the opening two days of the 2025 wild card series, which runs Tuesday through Thursday in a best-of-three format.
Cleveland’s exact time slot hinges on Sunday’s results, but here’s how the schedule opens:
Tuesday, Sept. 301:08 p.m. — Game 1 of an AL wild card series (ESPN)3:08 p.m. — Padres @ Cubs, Game 1 (ABC)6:08 p.m. — Game 1 of an AL wild card series (ESPN)9:08 p.m. — Reds/Mets @ Dodgers, Game 1 (ESPN)Wednesday, Oct. 11:08 p.m. — Game 2 of an AL wild card series (ESPN)3:08 p.m. — Padres @ Cubs, Game 2 (ABC)6:08 p.m. — Game 2 of an AL wild card series (ESPN)9:08 p.m. — Reds/Mets @ Dodgers, Game 2 (ESPN)
With two American League matchups slotted each day, Cleveland will land either the afternoon or evening stage.
If Progressive Field gets the nod, the ballpark will once again host October drama, with a chance for the Guardians to take command of their postseason future in front of their home fans.
For now, it all rides on Sunday’s outcomes — and whether Cleveland can close the door on the division themselves or wait to see what the Tigers decide for them.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.