Guardians to start Williams, Messick in ALDS vs. White Sox

Dustin JudgeDustin Judge
Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Parker Messick (77) delivers a pitch.

The Cleveland Guardians will start Gavin Williams in Game 1 and Parker Messick in Game 2 of their ALDS against the Chicago White Sox. The series begins Saturday in Cleveland.

The main development

Williams, who led the American League with 248 strikeouts, gets the ball first. Bleacher Report reports he will likely pitch Games 1 and 5 if the series reaches a decisive fifth game. Messick, who finished the regular season with a 2.56 ERA, follows in Game 2.

Foster Griffin, acquired midseason from Washington, rounds out the announced trio and is expected to start Game 3, per Bleacher Report. Tanner Bibee or Joey Cantillo could factor into a potential Game 4, though Cleveland has not named a starter for that game.

What it means

The move signals Cleveland is betting on pitching depth to carry a Guardians club that went 9-1 in September to clinch the AL Central after trailing by as many as six games in mid-August, according to ESPN. From Aug. 18 through the division clincher, Cleveland went 25-11 with a 3.51 team ERA.

Williams carries extra significance in this matchup. Cleveland is 1-3 in his four regular-season starts against the White Sox, though he allowed three earned runs or fewer in each of those defeats. He has nine or more strikeouts in five of his last nine starts.

Messick has been just as sharp against Chicago, striking out eight or more batters in three of his four regular-season meetings with the White Sox and not allowing more than three earned runs in a start since June 29.

Context

Cleveland enters as the rotation favorite in a series ESPN’s simulations give the Guardians a 57% chance to win. The White Sox, who swept the Houston Astros in the wild-card round for their first postseason series win since the 2005 World Series, counter with offensive momentum, having scored 73 runs over their last 11 games.

Closer Cade Smith gives Cleveland’s bullpen another edge after leading all relievers in win probability added while saving 41 games and striking out 107 batters in 74 innings this season, per ESPN.

What’s next

Game 1 begins Saturday in Cleveland.

Reporting from ESPN and Bleacher Report contributed to this story.

Dustin Judge

Dustin Judge is the Founder and CEO of Total Apex Media, bringing more than 20 years of writing and editorial experience to the company's growing network of digital publications. He specializes in sports, sports betting, fantasy sports, and digital publishing, with a focus on producing accurate, timely, and engaging content for readers. Dustin oversees editorial strategy, content development, and publishing operations across Total Apex Media while remaining actively involved in sports, betting, and fantasy sports coverage.