First pitch: 6:40 p.m. ET
Venue: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
Probable starters: LHP Sean Newcomb (White Sox, 2-4, 2.77 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 78 SO in 84.1 IP) vs. RHP Gavin Williams (Guardians, 13-7, 3.78 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 228 SO in 169.0 IP)
TV: CHSN / Guardians.TV (and streaming options such as Fubo/ESPN Unlimited)
This is Game 1 of a critical three-game AL Central series. The White Sox hold a half-game lead over the Guardians for first place in the division. Cleveland also sits in strong position for a Wild Card berth. Both teams enter with nearly identical records in a tight race.
Weather Forecast
Clear to sunny conditions. Temperature around 63–70°F at first pitch (high near 70–71°F earlier), with a low in the mid-to-upper 50s overnight. North-northeast winds around 5–8 mph, low humidity, and 0% chance of precipitation. Excellent baseball weather with no delay risk.
Injury Reports
White Sox
Joey Bart (C): 10-day IL (hand)
Tommy Pham (OF): 10-day IL (calf)
Huascar Brazoban (RP): 15-day IL (lat)
Longer-term IL: Tanner Murray (OF, shoulder), Prelander Berroa, Ky Bush, Mike Vasil, Jordan Leasure, Brooks Baldwin, Drew Thorpe (various elbow/shoulder issues, mostly 60-day).
Guardians
Rhys Hoskins (1B): 10-day IL (back)
Colin Holderman (RP): 15-day IL (wrist)
Shawn Armstrong (RP): 60-day IL (leg)
Chase DeLauter (OF): Day-to-day (hamstring; status for this game to be monitored).
Both clubs are missing some depth pieces, but core everyday players remain largely available. DeLauter’s hamstring is the most relevant short-term question for Cleveland’s lineup.
Current Rosters / Projected Approaches
White Sox: Expect a mix featuring players such as Miguel Vargas, Chase Meidroth, Colson Montgomery (power threat), Sam Antonacci, and others in a contact/power hybrid order. Newcomb is listed as the starter and has recently been used in shorter/opener-type roles at times, with bulk relief likely following.
Guardians: Typical recent look includes Steven Kwan, Chase DeLauter (if available), Travis Bazzana, José Ramírez, Jo Adell, Angel Martínez, Brayan Rocchio, and Patrick Bailey or similar. Strong on-base and speed elements with solid power.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
Williams vs. White Sox hitters: Williams has been sharp of late (strong FIP and strikeout rates in recent outings, including high-K performances). He owns excellent home numbers this season. Favors him against a White Sox lineup that has been cold recently (low wRC+ in the past week). Power threats like Montgomery or Vargas will need to capitalize on any mistakes.
Newcomb vs. Guardians hitters: Newcomb has posted a solid overall ERA but has seen elevated xERA and command issues in recent appearances. He has historically handled Guardians hitters well in limited prior work. Cleveland’s lefty-heavy or contact-oriented top of the order (Kwan, DeLauter, Bazzana, Ramírez) presents a tough test for the left-hander. Expect Williams to potentially go deeper into the game.
Recent Team Forms
White Sox: 1-4 in last 5; 3-7 in last 10. Offense has struggled (.205 AVG recently), though they rank high in home runs overall (193). Road record 33-42. Coming off a series in St. Louis with mixed results.
Guardians: 3-2 in last 5; 6-4 in last 10. Just beat the Twins 9-2 on Sunday behind strong pitching and offense (Kwan, Bazzana contributions). Home record 36-39. Better recent run prevention and timely hitting. Team ERA 3.78 overall.
Series History
White Sox lead the 2026 season series 6-4. Recent meetings have been competitive, with both sides taking series earlier in the year (including August games in Chicago). This three-game set carries major playoff implications for the AL Central lead and Wild Card positioning.
Betting Trends
Guardians strong at home in certain splits and when generating hits; White Sox have covered some underdog spots but struggle on the road against quality starters. Low totals common in Williams starts and recent Progressive Field games.
Game Odds
Chicago White Sox 7
Cleveland Guardians – 146
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, September 13, 2026
