Oct 3, 2026 2:40 PM

The Cleveland Guardians announce their ALDS roster and who will start Game 1 against the Chicago White Sox.

Game 1 of the ALDS between the Cleveland Guardians and the Chicago White Sox is officially here.

The Guardians have spent all week staying hot and preparing for Saturday's series opener. The beginning of the postseason is here for Cleveland, and here’s what its ALDS roster and Game 1 lineup will look like

Guardians’ ALDS Playoff Roster:

Cleveland's Pitchers:

The pitchers on Cleveland’s ALDS roster are: Parker Messick, Gavin Williams, Joey Cantillo, Foster Griffin, Tanner Bibee, Daniel Espino, Matt Festa, Shawn Armstrong, Tim Herrin, Erik Sabrowksi, and Cade Smith.

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Cleveland's Position Players:

The position players on Cleveland’s ALDS roster are: Travis Bazzana, Angel Genao, Nathaniel Lowe, Jose Ramirez, Brayan Rocchio, Daniel Schneemann, Jo Adell, Chase DeLauter, David Fry, Petey Halpin, Steven Kwan, and Angel Martinez.

Guardians ALDS Game 1 Lineup

Here’s the starting lineup Cleveland will go with for Game 1 of the ALDS:

  • Steven Kwan - CF
  • Jose Ramirez - 3B
  • Chase DeLauter - RF
  • Jo Adell - DH
  • Angel Martinez - LF
  • David Fry - 1B
  • Travis Bazzana - 2B
  • Austin Hedges - C
  • Brayan Rocchio - SS
  • Parker Messick - SP
Sep 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio (4) congratulates Cleveland Guardians right fielder Jo Adell (7) after the Cleveland Guardians defeated the Chicago White Sox at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn ImagesSep 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio (4) congratulates Cleveland Guardians right fielder Jo Adell (7) after the Cleveland Guardians defeated the Chicago White Sox at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images

There aren’t too many surprises with this first lineup of the series. Cleveland has its best three hitters at the top of the order and is playing the matchups in the next six spots in the lineup.

With Chicago turning to left-handed pitcher Hagen Smith as the starter for the series, the Guardians are clearly trying to load up their lineup with right-handed hitters to appeal to the platoon advantage.

That’s why the likes of David Fry and Austin Hedges are in the starting lineup, but could very well be pinch-hit candidates throughout the game.

Taking the mound for the Guardians in Game 1 of the ALDS is rookie Parker Messick. The left-hander is set to make his postseason debut on Saturday afternoon

Messick made four starts against the White Sox during the regular season and had a decent amount of success against Cleveland’s postseason opponent. In 25.2 innings against Chicago, Messick gave up eight earned runs for a 2.52 ERA.

Cleveland has loved the consistency Messick has shown all season and how it gives the team a chance to win. Now, the Guardians hope to carry that into Game 1 of the postseason.

Other Guardians Playoffs News:

The Guardians and White Sox played 13 tightly contested games during the regular season, making even the smallest detail a difference-maker in a win or a loss.

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