CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Guardians are on the verge of crashing the American League playoffs, and could punch their ticket as early as Thursday based on a very specific scenario .

Cleveland will likely know before first pitch against Detroit whether or not a clinching celebration can happen tonight because Houston plays the Athletics in a series finale beginning at 3:35 p.m. ET in Sacramento.

If the Astros drop their sixth straight and the Guardians go on to beat the Tigers, it guarantees that Cleveland can finish no worse than the No. 3 wild card.

Cleveland would then have a chance to claim the AL Central Division title outright with a victory in any of its final three games against Texas.

The real secret of Guards Ball? It’s not what you think — Terry Pluto

Guardians top Tigers 5-1,

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