First pitch: 6:40 p.m. ET
Venue: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
This is Game 2 of a critical three-game AL Central series. The White Sox lead the division by 1.5 games after a 7-3 win on Monday (clinching the season series/tiebreaker at 7-4). Both teams are fighting for the division title and playoff positioning in a tight race.
Starting Pitchers
Davis Martin (RHP, White Sox) — 9-7, 4.05 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 115 SO in 135.2 IP. Recent form has been mixed (last start: 5 IP, 1 ER vs. Pirates). Road ERA higher (~4.90). He has struggled somewhat against Cleveland historically and in limited 2026 meetings.
Foster Griffin (LHP, Guardians) — 15-5, 3.65 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 146 SO in 162.2 IP (combined with prior team). Strong overall win total, but recent Guardians stretch has been rockier (last start: rough outing allowing 8 ER in 2.1 IP). Left-hander could present matchup issues depending on White Sox lineup construction.
Current Weather Forecast
Mostly sunny to partly cloudy with highs around 82–84°F near first pitch. South winds 10–13 mph (gusts up to ~20–24 mph). Increasing clouds overnight with a chance of showers/thunderstorms later (mainly after midnight; ~50% chance overall but low during the game window). Conditions favor play with limited rain risk during the contest; winds may influence fly balls somewhat.
Injury Reports
White Sox:
Tommy Pham (LF, calf) — 10-day IL (unlikely for this series).
Joey Bart (C, hand) — 10-day IL.
Huascar Brazoban (RP, lat) — 15-day IL (rehabbing).
Drew Thorpe (SP, elbow) — 60-day IL (rehabbing, possible late-season return).
Longer-term: Prelander Berroa, Ky Bush, Tanner Murray, others (elbow/shoulder).
Guardians:
Angel Martinez (OF, right side/flank inflammation) — Day-to-day (exited Monday’s game; status for Tuesday TBD).
Chase DeLauter (OF, hamstring/wrist issues noted in recent reports) — Day-to-day/monitor.
Rhys Hoskins (1B, back) — 10-day IL.
Colin Holderman (RP, wrist) — 15-day IL.
Shawn Armstrong (RP, calf) — 60-day IL (rehabbing).
Depth is tested on both sides, particularly in the outfield and bullpen.
Recent Team Forms
White Sox (recent mixed but strong in division): Won Monday 7-3 (six-run sixth inning featuring an 18-pitch walk by Tristan Peters, two-run HR by Miguel Vargas, two-run double by Kyle Teel). Prior results included losses to St. Louis and Pittsburgh mixed with wins. Season: surprising contenders after prior poor years; strong vs. Central. Away record: 34-42. Offense around 4.7 R/G with power (Vargas, etc.); pitching mid-pack.
Guardians (5-5 last 10-ish): Lost Monday 7-3 (David Fry two-run HR). Recent mix of wins over Minnesota and a rough loss at Baltimore. Season: solid pitching overall but offense has lagged at times (~4.1 R/G). Home: 36-40. José Ramírez remains a key driver.
Series History
White Sox lead 7-4 overall and clinched the season series with Monday’s win (also securing the potential tiebreaker). Recent meetings have been competitive; Chicago has taken several close and decisive games. Broader history favors Cleveland historically in many seasons, but 2026 tilts toward the White Sox.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups / Trends
Martin vs. Guardians hitters: Cleveland likely to stack left-handed bats against the righty. José Ramírez and contact hitters can punish mistakes; Martin’s sinker/slider mix may be tested by patient approaches.
Griffin (LHP) vs. White Sox hitters: Potential platoon advantage for right-handed White Sox bats (Vargas, Benintendi, Meidroth, etc.). Griffin’s recent high-ERA stretch raises concerns about command.
Standouts: Miguel Vargas (power surge, 31 HRs), Andrew Benintendi, Tristan Peters, Chase Meidroth (White Sox); José Ramírez, potential contributions from Fry/Adell/DeLauter if healthy (Guardians). White Sox showed better clutch hitting Monday after recent RISP struggles.
Team edges: White Sox have more power and recent momentum in the matchup; Guardians typically stronger on the mound and defense but need offensive consistency.
Betting Trends
White Sox have covered/won as underdogs in several recent meetings; series has seen overs and unders mixed. Division implications add intensity. Home field and Griffin’s overall numbers favor Cleveland, but White Sox momentum and Monday’s offensive explosion create value on the road side.
Game Odds
Chicago White Sox 8.5
Cleveland Guardians – 149
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, September 14, 2026
