Cleveland Guardians and Kansas City Royals matchups

In late August 2026, a scheduled game between the Cleveland Guardians and the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field faced a weather delay. During this period, the Guardians were also managing pitching staff health, including updates on Slade Cecconi, who was rehabbing with the Triple-A Columbus Clippers, and starter Ben Lively.

By the end of September, the two teams met for their 2026 season finale. The Kansas City Royals defeated the Cleveland Guardians 3-2. Vinnie Pasquantino provided the decisive offense with two solo home runs, including a tie-breaking hit in the eighth inning. The victory allowed the Royals to avoid a sweep, though they finished the season in last place in the AL Central with a 69-93 record. The Royals' season was noted for rookie catcher Carter Jensen, who set a franchise rookie home run record with 25 and an MLB record for most leadoff home runs by a catcher with six.

Despite the loss in the finale, the Guardians had clinched the AL Central title the previous day. Fielding a makeshift lineup missing several regulars, Cleveland secured a bye into the AL Division Series as the second seed. Daniel Schneeman and Jo Adell both hit home runs for the Guardians during the game.