The Cleveland Guardians are turning to Foster Griffin in a must-win game today against Boston.
As the Cleveland Guardians get set for the second game of their three-game series with the Boston Red Sox, the team has a chance to clinch a playoff spot today.
Cleveland was able to grab a win in the first game over the Red Sox, giving them some extra breathing room in the playoff race. The Guardians currently hold a 1.0 game lead over the Chicago White Sox for the American League Central division heading into this contest on Wednesday.
The Guardians' magic number to clinch a postseason spot is sitting at two games. This means that Cleveland can get in with a win today, while also getting some help from others around the league.
If the Guardians can take down the Red Sox, combined with a loss from the Houston Astros to the Seattle Mariners or a loss from the Texas Rangers to the New York Mets, then Cleveland would punch its ticket to October.
There could be champagne for the Guardians as early as tonight, but they will need to take care of business against the Red Sox first. Cleveland will be handing the ball to starting pitcher Foster Griffin in this game, and these are exactly the types of moments the team got him for.
Since coming to the Guardians, Griffin has struggled, posting a 5.79 ERA over eight starts with the team. While with the Washington Nationals, the left-hander recored a 3.06 ERA over 22 starts.
For Griffin, the Guardians need him to deliver in this game against the Red Sox. Cleveland is looking to solidify itself as a playoff team, and the lefty is going to be a big piece of the puzzle.
Ahead of the game, the Guardians also released the lineup against Boston. Steven Kwan will be leading off for Cleveland, playing in left field.
José Ramírez will hit second, playing at third base today. Chase DeLauter will be the designated hitter, batting third for Cleveland.
Slugger Jo Adell will hit fourth for the team, playing in right field. Travis Bazzana will play at second base today, hitting fifth.
Nathaniel Lowe gets the nod at first base, hitting sixth for the Guardians. Patrick Bailey will be behind the plate in this game, hitting seventh.
Hitting eighth will be Petey Halpin, playing in center field. And closing it all out will be Brayan Rocchio, taking on the shortstop duties.
This game could be the first step toward Cleveland getting back to the playoffs, while also seeing the team try to keep control of the AL Central.
First pitch between the Guardians and Red Sox is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. PT/7:10 p.m. ET.
