The White Sox vs Guardians ALDS opens Saturday at Progressive Field in Cleveland, where the Guardians host a Chicago team that swept the Houston Astros in the wild-card round. First pitch for Game 1 is 1 p.m. EDT.
Cleveland earned a first-round bye by winning the American League Central at 85-77, one game ahead of Chicago’s 84-78 finish, MLB.com reported.
White Sox vs Guardians ALDS game information
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 3
- Time: 1 p.m. EDT
- Venue: Progressive Field, Cleveland
- TV/streaming: TBS, truTV and HBO Max
How the White Sox and Guardians got here
Chicago won its first playoff series since 2005, outhitting Houston 19-11 over the two games, Yahoo Sports reported. The clincher was a 7-3 win.
The teams split their 13 regular-season meetings almost evenly. Chicago won the season series 7-6 but was outscored 58-57, according to MLB.com.
Pitching matchup for Game 1
Left-hander Parker Messick, an All-Star making his postseason debut, starts for Cleveland. The rookie posted a 2.56 ERA with 193 strikeouts in 32 starts, MLB.com reported. Right-hander Gavin Williams, who led the American League with 248 strikeouts, is set for Game 2. Read more on the Guardians’ rotation plan.
Chicago left-hander Hagen Smith, a rookie, is expected to start Game 1. Manager Will Venable said Smith and Grant Taylor could serve as openers in the first three games.
Cleveland’s closer, All-Star Cade Smith, tied for the major league lead with 41 saves.
Injuries to watch
Guardians reliever Colin Holderman will miss the series after surgery. Infielder Rhys Hoskins missed five weeks with back inflammation but has been working out, MLB.com reported.
What to watch in the White Sox vs Guardians ALDS
First baseman Munetaka Murakami reached 30 home runs as a rookie, and his bat gives Chicago power against Cleveland’s pitching. Read more on Murakami’s October return.
The White Sox are seeking their first series win past the division round since their 2005 World Series title. The Guardians have not won a championship since 1948.
