The Chicago White Sox face off against the division-rival Cleveland Guardians on Saturday to begin their American League Division Series.
The White Sox (84-78) enter the matchup having won the AL Wild Card Series, their first postseason series win since 2005. Chicago swept the Houston Astros to face the Guardians (85-77).
The teams played close all season, with the White Sox ending the season with a 7-6 record against the AL Central division champion Guardians. The run differential between the two was just one run in 13 games.
How to Watch White Sox vs. Guardians Game 1
William Purnell-Imagn Images
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
- Venue: Progressive Field, Cleveland
- TV: TBS/truTV
- Live stream: YoutubeTV, Hulu + Live TV
Chicago enters the matchup with Munetaka Murakami leading the team in home runs (35) on the season, while third baseman Miguel Vargas leads the team in RBIs (93) and OPS (.837).
Cleveland is led by its leadoff hitter, Steven Kwan, who ended the season with a team-high 152 hits and an on-base percentage of .382. Star third baseman Jose Ramirez hopes to heat up in the playoffs, finishing the season with 12 home runs and a .235 batting average.
For Chicago, left-handed pitcher Hagen Smith will take the mound. Smith appeared in 18 games for the White Sox during the 2026 MLB regular season, starting in only one.
The more experienced left-handed pitcher Parker Messick will take the mound for the Guardians, coming off a 12-9 regular-season record and starting in all 32 games he appeared in. Messick ended the season with the team lead in ERA (2.56).
