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Guardians fall short in ALCS again, AL Central roundup
No AL Central games were played, but the Guardians’ ALCS exit, Pablo Lopez’s recovery timeline and a Tigers World Series flashback headlined the day.
By the PickALeague Newsroom · Published · Source: PickALeagueSummary written with AI assistance — how we workLire en français →
There were no AL Central teams on the field yesterday, but the division still generated storylines, from Cleveland’s October frustration to an encouraging rehab update in Minnesota and a World Series flashback in Detroit.
Guardians’ season ends one step shy of the Fall Classic
As relayed by MLB Trade Rumors, the Cleveland Guardians captured the American League Central title for the third consecutive year and once again pushed deep into October, only to fall short of the World Series. Their run ended with a six-game loss to the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Championship Series, leaving their championship hopes on hold yet again.
Cleveland finished the regular season at 85-77, edging the Chicago White Sox (84-78) and Minnesota Twins (77-85) in what became a tightly packed top of the division, but couldn’t take the final step in the postseason.
MIN: Pablo Lopez targets Spring Training return
The Twins received a key bit of optimism regarding their rotation. According to MLB Trade Rumors, right-hander Pablo Lopez is working his way back from a February elbow procedure. He resumed playing catch in August and is now aiming to be ready for Spring Training.
Per the same report, Lopez’s current outlook gives him a chance to open the season on Minnesota’s Opening Day roster. The outlet notes that he did not undergo a full Tommy John reconstruction, which helps explain the more aggressive timetable.
DET: World Series memories and a somber note
Even after a 76-86 finish, the Detroit Tigers find themselves in the spotlight via a historical reminder. MLB Trade Rumors points out that on this day in 2012, Pablo Sandoval went 4-for-4 with three home runs in the San Francisco Giants’ 8-3 win over Detroit in Game 1 of the World Series. Sandoval joined Albert Pujols, Reggie Jackson and Babe Ruth (twice) as the only players to hit three homers in a World Series game, according to the site.
Elsewhere, the broader baseball community is in mourning. MLB Trade Rumors reports that former big leaguer Todd Benzinger passed away Wednesday at age 63, citing a statement from the Cincinnati Reds. The switch-hitter played nine MLB seasons, three of them in Cincinnati, and held a memorable role in the Reds’ World Series–winning run.