Ah, the Guardians and White Sox. For the AL Central Lead in mid-September:
The White Sox are 76-73 with a +34 run differential. Since the trade deadline, they are ninth in team wRC+ at 103, 18th in baserunning runs above average at -0.2, 17th in Defense at -3.8, 27th in starting pitcher ERA at 5.99 (5.35 FIP), and eighth in bullpen ERA at 3.46 (3.93 FIP).
The Guardians are 76-74 with a -7 run differential. Since the trade deadline, they are tenth in team wRC+ at 102, 19th in baserunning runs above
average at -0.4, sixth in Defense at +2.3, 21st in starting pitcher ERA at 4.61 (4.21 FIP), and second in bullpen ERA at 2.99 (3.37 FIP).
These have looked like evenly matched teams through much of the year but the White Sox have eked out some close ones and lead the season series 6-3. Winning even one game this series gives them a great shot for the division because of the tiebreaker. Winning two all but guarantees it. No pressure, Guardians!
Matchups:
Game One, Monday, 6:40PM ET: Williams, RHP vs. Opener Sean Newcombe LHP and Burke RHP
Game Two, Tuesday, 6:40PM ET: Griffin, LHP vs. Martin, RHP
Game Three, Wednesday 1:10PM ET: Messick, LHP vs. TBD but likely Fedde, RHP
Since the trade deadline, the White Sox are led by Randal Grichuk 190 wRC+, Edgar Quero 188 wRC+, Tristan Peters 174 wRC+, Kyle Teel 146 wRC+, Miguel Vargas 136 wRC+, Sam Antonacci 115 wRC+, and Chase Meidroth 112 wRC+.
Since the trade deadline, the Guardians are led by Chase DeLauter 160 wRC+, Angel Martinez 144 wRC+, Steven Kwan 136 wRC+, Travis Bazzana 111 wRC+, and Jo Adell 104 wRC+.
Will José Ramírez be able to help at all this series? Will Jo Adell hit RHP? Will Foster Griffin turn in a decent start and Gavin Williams and Parker Messick continue to dominate? These are the questions for which the answers will determine this pivotal series for the Guardians. Get out to the ballpark and cheer on your team, Cleveland fans!
