The conversations probably started almost immediately after the Guardians clinched one of the top two seeds in the American League playoffs by beating the Reds on Tuesday night. One of the results of all those words and plans was Wednesday’s bullpen game.

The Guardians have pretty much everything wrapped up and have adjusted their pitching schedule heading into the final days of the regular season.

José Ramirez hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning after Cleveland pitchers retired the first 18 batters, lifting the AL Central champion Guardians to a 5-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on We

Ramírez hit his 38th homer of the season, connecting against Emilio Pagán (4-5) with two outs to score Steven Kwan and Angel Martínez. The All-Star third baseman also doubled, tripled and scored twice.