The Cleveland Guardians will start a pivotal three-game series in Chicago against the White Sox on Monday. Nobody had the Pale Hose over .500 by now, but here they are, surprising everybody with their 39-37 record.
The Guardians, however, lead their division with a one-game lead at 41-37. They have been the best team in the AL Central, and now they have a golden chance to extend the gap between them and the competition this week.
Analyst Justin Lada believes Cleveland is in a good position to take at least two out of three in the Windy City.
“The good news is the Guardians are 2-4 in the six-game road trip, with three to go in Chicago, the most important series of the year so far. You have three really good pitchers lined up in Gavin Williams, Parker Messick, and Tanner Bibee, a rested bullpen, and hopefully, the Guardians can take two of three in that one because that one’s going to determine where things are in the AL Central heading into late June,” Lada said.
Lada points out the Guardians bullpen is well-rested ahead of the three-game set, and that’s crucial. Thanks to Slade Cecconi giving them six solid innings on Sunday, only Colin Holderman and Hunter Gaddis were used, throwing nine and 14 pitches, respectively.
On Saturday, Joey Cantillo was huge, so Matt Festa was the only reliever used by manager Stephen Vogt. Cade Smith is fresh and should be used heavily against the White Sox, and so should other top relievers such as Erik Sabrowski and Shawn Armstrong.
Williams, Messick, and Bibee have been the three best starters on the roster this year and give the Guardians a very good chance to win. Having all three take the ball vs. Chicago means they will likely be competitive in every game.
The offense comes and goes, yes, but this past weekend, we saw Travis Bazzana hit two home runs in a game, and also Kyle Manzardo reach nine long balls on the season. Brayan Rocchio is enjoying a breakout campaign, and other unheralded players have shown they can help every now and then.
If Cleveland can take two out of three, their grip on the division would be tighter than ever. A sweep, however, would be even better.
NEXT: David Fry Explains Why Close Games Don't Bother The Guardians
