MLB playoff update: White Sox maintain slim lead over Cleveland

The Chicago White Sox lost 7-6 to the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday, leaving them with just a one-half game lead in the American League Central.

The White Sox, who are trying to reach the playoffs for the first time since the 2021 season, are neck-and-neck with Cleveland for the division title, and they saw their lead trimmed with Tuesday’s loss at Progressive Field.

Now, the White Sox are preparing for their final game against the Guardians, with just 10 games remaining on their schedule after Wednesday.

Here’s the latest.

American League Central Standings:

Chicago White Sox 77-74

Cleveland Guardians 77-75

The White Sox have played one fewer game than the Guardians, giving them an opportunity to bank an extra victory between now and the end of the regular season.

What’s more, if the White Sox were to finish the season tied with Cleveland in the standings, they would win the division title thanks to winning the season series over the Guardians, which they clinched on Monday.

What is the White Sox magic number?

The White Sox magic number to clinch the Central Division still stands at 10 after Tuesday’s loss, so they still have plenty of work left to do to advance to the postseason.

In a bit of good news for the White Sox, the Texas Rangers lost on Tuesday, meaning the Guardians now have a 1.5-game lead over the Rangers for the final wild card spot in the American League.

The White Sox are also still 1.5 games ahead of the Houston Astros for the second-best divisional leader record in the American League, which would give them a bye into the American League Division Series if they can hold onto that advantage.

What’s ahead for the White Sox?

After Wednesday’s game, the White Sox will head home for a four-game series against the Detroit Tigers. They will then finish the season with a road series against the Kansas City Royals, and then a home series against the Colorado Rockies.

The Guardians meanwhile will have a home series against the Athletics this weekend, then road series against the Boston Red Sox and Royals to finish the campaign.