This is identified as the greatest strength of the Cleveland Guardians

The Cleveland Guardians may be seeing their lead in the American League Central Division shrink, but they still pose a serious threat in the American League and when the playoffs come around.

ESPN recently identified the biggest strength of each playoff contender and named the bullpen as the Guardians' biggest advantage.

“It’s a highlight reel with multiple exclamation points and multiple fire emojis. The Guardians are having perhaps the best bullpen season ever — and they needed it since their rotation is the second-worst in the major leagues in terms of fWAR. The Guardians have the best bullpen ERA at 2.65 (the Brewers are second at 3.26), the lowest batting average allowed (.201) and the highest win probability added (plus-12.49, on pace for the highest total ever).”

There's no denying that the Guardians have had the best relief team in baseball this season. The core trio of Cade Smith (2.07 ERA), Tim Herrin (2.11 ERA) and Hunter Gaddis (1.38 ERA) have helped the team maintain its lead in the final games, even when the offense hasn't scored a run.

Then there's Emmanuel Clase who leads the league with 37 saves and a 0.61 ERA while putting his name in consideration for the Cy Young.

The importance of a bullpen cannot be underestimated when the playoffs arrive. Typically, a pitcher's start is reduced to four or five innings in a postseason game if the team is lucky. The rest must be filled by the team's relievers.

When Cleveland is a tough team to beat if they take an early lead and are 56-2 if they win after the sixth inning.

The Guardians are certainly going through a tough time as a team, but the bullpen has done a great job of keeping them in games and that will play a key role in Cleveland's progress in October.