CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Guardians could clinch a spot in the 2025 MLB Postseason as early as tonight.

Cleveland beat the Detroit Tigers 5-1 Wednesday night at Progressive Field , moving into sole possession of first place in the American League Central by one game.

The win knocked Detroit out of the division’s top spot for the first time since April 22.

The Guardians are now 86-72 and have won 12 of their last 13 games.

Cleveland’s magic number to clinch a spot in the American League playoffs is 2 .

That means any combination of Guardians wins and Houston Astros losses that equals two will secure a postseason berth.

Because Houston lost 6-0 to the Oakland Athletics late Wednesday, Cleveland can now clinch the No. 6 seed tonight.

Scenario to clinch postseason spot Thursday:

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