Manager Stephen Vogt faces a rotation dilemma, but Foster Griffin’s late-season resurgence and dominance against left-handed power make him the strategic weapon needed to secure a series lead.
Playoff baseball has finally made its return, and the Cleveland Guardians will look to continue their magical run heading into the ALDS.
While the ball club waits to find out their opponents for the upcoming five-game series, manager Stephen Vogt must make a tough decision when setting his starting pitching rotation. Cleveland’s lethal one-two punch of Gavin Williams and rookie Parker Messick can only carry the team so far, which means the Guardians will have to turn to either Tanner Bibee, Foster Griffin, or a combination of Daniel Espino and Joey Cantillo.
However, the decision should be clear for Vogt — Cleveland should lean on its late-season acquisitions on Griffin heading into the upcoming series.
Why Griffin Should Be The Guardians SP3
Sep 23, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Foster Griffin (22) delivers a pitch against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn ImagesSince being acquired by the Guardians at the trade deadline, Griffin has been a sporadic arm in the team’s starting pitching rotation.
However, the former Washington Nationals standout has seemingly gotten back on track this month. In his four starts during the month of September, Griffin threw 18.1 innings, while giving up 30 hits and 14 earned runs. A majority of his hiccups came during his start against the Baltimore Orioles, who scored eight earned runs off Griffin. Outside of the road start, he gave the Guardians enough chances to win.
In addition to his strong showing during the month of September, Griffin would be the perfect counter to the White Sox’s heavy left-handed lineup.
Assuming Chicago is able to overcome the Astros, the Guardians will have to face the likes of star first baseman Munetaka Murakami, Tristan Peters, Sam Antonacci, and Andrew Benintendi, as the group of left-handed batters accounts for a majority of the offense’s success this season. The White Sox’s lineup also contains Colson Montgomery and Kyle Teel, who both continue to make an impact on offense.
When looking at Griffin’s splits between right- and left-handed hitters, the 31-year-old starter has been significantly better against left-handed batters this season. In 182 at-bats against lefties this year, Griffin posted 57 strikeouts and an opposing batting average of .204, while simultaneously giving up 37 hits and seven home runs. There is a concern regarding the number of long balls he gives up to left-handed hitters, but Griffin has yet to give up a home run since his start against the San Francisco Giants back in August.
The purpose of adding Griffin during this year’s trade deadline was for moments like this in the playoffs — an All-Star, left-handed pitcher who can be your third starting pitcher when facing a team with plenty of left-handed hitters.
