The Cleveland Guardians have revealed the lineup for their finale against the Boston Red Sox.
The Cleveland Guardians are looking to clinch a playoff spot tonight after failing to do so on Wednesday night.
Cleveland dropped a tough 1-0 game to the Boston Red Sox in the second game of a three-game series. But the Guardians did get some help, with the Kansas City Royals defeating the Chicago White Sox to maintain their 1.0-game lead in the American League Central Division.
Entering the finale against Boston, the Guardians path to the playoffs is very simple. Cleveland has a win and get in situation, with the team looking to punch its ticket to October.
The Guardians can clinch a playoff berth with a win over Boston, or if the Texas Rangers lose to the New York Mets, or if the Houston Astros lose to the Athletics. The goal is to win the AL Central, but getting a wild-card spot can be a nice consolation prize for this team as well.
Cleveland will be sending right-hander Daniel Espino to the mound in this game against the Red Sox, looking for him to do some damage. Espino has been used as an opener for the Guardians of late, with the right-hander going no longer than two innings at a time.
For the year, Espino has a 4.73 ERA over 12 appearances (two starts) for the Guardians. Espino will be called upon to help set the tone against the Red Sox, hoping to help send this team to the playoffs.
Guardians Drop Lineup vs Red Sox
But before the game gets going, the Guardians did release the lineup. Here is how manager Stephen Vogt has planned everything for the finale against Boston:
Once again, Steven Kwan will be leading off for Cleveland, playing in center field. Star Jose Ramirez will take on duties at third base, hitting second in this game.
Chase DeLauter will be batting third for the Guardians, playing in right field. Jo Adell will hit fourth for the team, being the designated hitter today.
Coming in the fifth spot is Angel Martinez, who will play in left field. David Fry will hit sixth for the team, playing at first base.
Travis Bazzana will play at second base, hitting seventh for this group. Behind the plate will be catcher Patrick Bailey.
And rounding out the entire lineup will be Brayan Rocchio, playing at shortstop again.
Each team will be looking to take this rubber match, while it is also a potential playoff preview. First pitch between the Guardians and Red Sox is scheduled for 3:45 p.m. PT/6:45 p.m. ET at Fenway Park.
