The Cleveland Guardians have announced the starting pitching plan for their final series with the Kansas City Royals.
The Cleveland Guardians were able to take down the Boston Red Sox on Thursday, clinching a spot in the postseason in the process.
But as the Guardians head into the final series of the regular season against the Kansas City Royals, there is still a lot to play for. Cleveland still has a chance to clinch the American League Central division, which would give them a first-round bye.
Having the bye could allow Cleveland to get a few days off in between the end of the regular season and the start of the ALDS. The Guardians are currently just 1.0 game up on the Chicago White Sox for the division lead.
Cleveland and the three-game series with the Royals, while Chicago will be facing off against the Colorado Rockies to end the year. Both sides are in the postseason no matter what, but the division is up for grabs.
The White Sox own the tiebreaker over the Guardians, making it crucial that Cleveland takes care of business against Kansas City. But only time will tell how the final few games will play out.
Guardians vs Royals Probable Pitchers
Friday, September 25: RHP Gavin Williams vs LHP Noah Cameron
Williams gets the ball in the opener for Cleveland, and he has been just what this team has needed all year. The right-hander owns a 3.63 ERA over 31 starts this season.
The Guardians are going to need Williams to set the tone against the Royals, giving themselves a chance to win. Williams has been the ace of this staff all year, and there is real faith in him to deliver.
Cameron gets the nod for the Royals, and he has posted a 3.92 ERA over 30 appearances (29 starts) this year.
Saturday, September 26: RHP Tanner Bibee vs RHP Michael Wacha
Bibee will go for the Guardians in the second game, looking to end his season on a high note. The right-hander has been a little up-and-down this year, but the team is confident in his abilities.
For the season, Bibee owns a 4.35 ERA over 32 starts. Bibee has seen some trouble in September, posting a 8.24 ERA over four starts.
Wacha goes for Kansas City, and he has been great this year, posting a 3.33 ERA over 31 starts.
Sunday, September 27: TBD vs LHP Daniel Lynch IV
The Guardians haven't announced the starter for the finale just yet. Cleveland may be waiting to see if they have clinched the AL Central at this point before making a choice.
As for the Royals, Lynch IV will start and he has put up a 4.13 ERA over 55 appearances (nine starts) this season.
How to Watch Guardians vs Royals
Friday's opener will take place at 4:40 p.m. PT/7:40 p.m. ET from Kauffman Stadium. The game will be broadcast on Guardians.TV, Royals.TV, and in the MLB app.
Friday's opener will take place at 4:10 p.m. PT/7:10 p.m. ET from Kauffman Stadium. The game will be broadcast on Guardians.TV, Royals.TV, and in the MLB app.
Friday's opener will take place at 12:10 p.m. PT/3:10 p.m. ET from Kauffman Stadium. The game will be broadcast on Guardians.TV, Royals.TV, and in the MLB app.
