The Cleveland Guardians continue to close in on a Major League Baseball playoff spot.

Their latest win over the Detroit Tigers — 5-1 on Wednesday, Sept. 24 — means they have lowered their magic number to reach the American League playoffs.

The Guardians are 86-72 and in sole possession of first place in the AL Central Division, a game ahead of the Tigers. Detroit led Cleveland by 15 1/2 games in early July.

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The magic number for the Guardians to win the American League Central division and secure a playoff spot is three as of the end of their game Wednesday, Sept. 24. Their magic number to secure a wild card spot also is three, though, it could drop to two if the Astros lose later tonight to the A’s.

What are the odds the Guardians make the playoffs? 

According to Fangraphs, the Guardians entered Sept. 24 with a 56.2% chance of winning the American League Central division. They have a 23.6% chance of clinching a wild-card berth. They have a 79.8% chance of making the playoffs and a 1.8% chance of winning a World Series. 

How is a magic number determined in Major League Baseball playoff standings?

In Major League Baseball, a team’s magic number marks how close it is to securing a playoff berth or division title. The figure combines the team’s remaining wins with losses by its closest competitor to show the earliest point a spot can be clinched.

Cleveland Guardians schedule for the rest of the 2025 MLB season  Thursday, Sept. 25: vs. Detroit Tigers, 6:40 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26: vs. Texas Rangers, 7:10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27: vs. Texas Rangers, 7:15 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28: vs. Texas Rangers, 3:10 p.m.