CLEVELAND, Ohio — A week ago Johnathan Rodríguez was in Columbus wrapping up the Triple-A season with the Clippers. Stepping to the plate in a postseason race was the furthest thing from his mind.

But fate and baseball have a funny way of guiding players like Rodríguez into big September moments.

Rodríguez smashed a go-ahead two-run homer off Jacob Lentz in the bottom of the first inning during Saturday’s win against the Rangers, putting the Guardians ahead 2-1.

His two-out walk in the bottom of the ninth inning set the stage for C.J. Kayfus’ bases loaded walk-off hit by pitch in a 3-2 Guardians victory .

Cleveland’s win clinched the team’s 15th postseason appearance in the last 30 years.

Guardians’ eighth inning defensive stop helps earn them a playoff berth

Playoff status will de

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