The Cleveland Guardians have announced the lineup for their series opener against the Boston Red Sox.
As the Cleveland Guardians get set for the start of a three-game series with the Boston Red Sox, it's crunch time for this group.
This will be the final stretch of games in the regular season for the Guardians, and it's now or never for this team. Cleveland will be heading to face the Kansas City Royals following the series with the Red Sox.
The Guardians enter this series with Boston sitting just 1.0 game up on the Chicago White Sox in the American League Central Division. Cleveland is vying for a possible first-round bye if they can win the division and be among the top two teams in the AL.
The hope is to win the division, but the Guardians are in a good place for a wild-card spot if not. However, the only goal will be to win the AL Central, allowing everything else to fall as it may.
Heading into the first game with the Red Sox, the Guardians know what is at stake. And the team has now revealed the lineup for the series opener.
Leading off for the Guardians will be outfielder Steven Kwan, who will play in center field. Batting second will be slugger Jose Ramirez, who will take on the duties at third base for the Guardians.
Hitting third will be rookie sensation Chase DeLauter, playing in right field. Jo Adell will hit fourth for Cleveland, taking on the designated hitter spot for this contest.
Angel Martinez will hit fifth for the Guardians, playing in left field today. David Fry will be playing at first base in this game, hitting sixth in the lineup.
Travis Bazzana will be hitting in the seven hole, playing at second base. Hitting eighth will be catcher Austin Hedges.
And rounding everything out for the game against Boston will be shortstop Brayan Rocchio, who returns to the lineup. The Guardians feel this is the lineup that can help them get a win today.
On the mound will be left-hander Parker Messick, who has been electric for Cleveland throughout this season. Messick has posted a 2.57 ERA over 30 starts for the Guardians this year.
It has been a long season for the Guardians, but this team is clicking at the right time. Against Boston, Cleveland will need to stack some wins, while hoping that the White Sox drop a few games.
This team could be dangerous in the playoffs, but getting there will be the first step for Cleveland.
