Guardians Make One Notable Lineup Change Ahead Of Game 2

The Cleveland Guardians will take the field on Monday afternoon for Game 2 of the American League Division Series against the Detroit Tigers.

The game, to be played at Progressive Field, will feature a fuel of southpaws: Mathew Boyd will be the Guardians starter, and Tarik Skubal will take the ball for the Tigers.

Cleveland is enjoying a 1-0 lead in the series thanks to their victory in Game 1 on Saturday.

Guards’ manager Stephen Vogt has revealed his lineup and it featured one notable change.

“Guardians Game 2 lineup: 1. LF Steven Kwan, 2. DH David Fry, 3. 3B José Ramírez, 4. CF Lane Thomas, 5. 1B Josh Naylor, 6. RF Jhonkensy Noel, 7. 2B Andrés Giménez, 8. C Austin Hedges, 9. SS Brayan Rocchio. SP Matthew Boyd,” Guardians insider Zack Meisel posted on X.

Guardians Game 2 lineup

1. LF Steven Kwan
2. DH David Fry
3. 3B José Ramírez
4. CF Lane Thomas
5. 1B Josh Naylor
6. RF Jhonkensy Noel
7. 2B Andrés Giménez
8. C Austin Hedges
9. SS Brayan Rocchio

SP Matthew Boyd

— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) October 7, 2024

Vogt recognized the excellent run of form of Thomas, who hit a key three-run homer on Saturday and was marvelous in September, and bumped him to the cleanup spot.

He did that to increase his chances of producing runs behind three solid on-base options: Kwan, Fry, and J-Ram (all of them with All-Star status).

The ‘Lane Train’, who came over to Cleveland via trade before the deadline, boasts a .530 slugging percentage in his last 30 games.

After a dubious start to his Guardians career, he has settled down and is now a dynamic piece in their lineup.

Naylor was an ever-present power threat for Cleveland this year,  but has a .261 slugging percentage in his last seven contests.

He did hit 31 home runs and drive in 108 runs this year, though, so he is no lower than fifth.