For a while now, the Orioles have been in second place in the AL East while holding the second-best record in the AL. Due to their sweep at the hands of the Astros and a five-game winning streak from the Cleveland Guardians, that is no longer the case. The Guardians and Orioles, who kick off a three-game series tonight, both have 49 wins on the season. The Guardians have two fewer losses, having played just 75 games to the Orioles’ 77.
The Guardians have been first in the AL Central daily since April 14. The Central is considered a weak division but the Guardians have been a legitimately good team.