The Cleveland Guardians have announced who will start Games 1 and 2 against the Chicago White Sox in the ALDS.
The Cleveland Guardians have been waiting for the American League Division Series to get started, with the team last playing on Sunday.
Cleveland earned a bye for the wild-card series, giving the team a chance to get some extra rest before the ALDS starts. The Guardians won the AL Central this year, giving them home-field advantage entering the series.
And Cleveland will be taking on a familiar opponent in the ALDS, drawing the Chicago White Sox. Chicago swept the Houston Astros in the wild-card series, earning them a chance to advance to face the Guardians.
The Guardians and White Sox battled all season for the division, and now the two teams will fight for a chance to move to the ALCS. During the regular season, the White Sox did take the series from Cleveland, winning 7-6.
However, the slate is wiped clean with the postseason starting, giving each side a chance to make a statement. Ahead of the start of the series, the Guardians have announced who will the starting pitchers will be for the first two games.
Cleveland will be sending out left-hander Parker Messick for Game 1 and right-hander Gavin Williams for Game 2. Both of the first two games will be played at Progressive Field.
Is Parker Messick the Right Choice for Game 1?
Messick has been one of the key players for the Guardians all season long, providing the starting rotation with a major boost. The emergence of the left-hander has allowed Cleveland to stay the course in the rotation, and the team has the ultimate trust in him to deliver when it matters.
The left-hander has recorded a 2.56 ERA over 32 starts this season, showing pure dominance on the mound. Messick has thrown 186.1 innings this year, striking out 193 batters in the process.
After his impressive rookie year, it makes sense that the Guardians want him taking the mound to open the series against the White Sox. Messick will be looked upon to set the tone of the series, hoping to get Cleveland out to an early series lead.
While Williams has also been great for Cleveland this year, Messick deserved to take Game 1. But Williams showed that he can be great as well, posting a 3.76 ERA over 32 starts this year.
The one-two punch of Messick and Williams is a strong combination for the Guardians to use, and they have the pitching advantage entering this series with Chicago. But the Guardians will have to earn their keep on the field, with the two starters trying to shut down the White Sox offense.
