White Sox, Guardians Turn to Openers in Must-Win Game 3
The Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Guardians will both deploy openers for Game 3 of the American League Division Series on Wednesday, with left‑handed Sean Newcomb taking the ball for Chicago and right‑handed Daniel Espino starting for Cleveland. The White Sox hold a 2‑0 lead in the best‑of‑five series, making Wednesday night’s contest a must‑win for the Guardians at Rate Field.
Newcomb Returns as Opener for Chicago
Newcomb, who has logged four saves and six starts this season, is no stranger to the opener role. He posted a 3.09 ERA overall and a 0.84 ERA in his six appearances as an opener. The White Sox have embraced a flexible pitching approach throughout the year, and that strategy has carried into the postseason.
“There was a handful of us in that same role, and we were kind of feeding off each other and working with each other to prepare and handle it,” Newcomb said. “So it’s been good operating this way throughout the season, as opposed to just the postseason.”
Chicago’s bullpen includes five left‑handers on the ALDS roster, and Newcomb will face a Cleveland lineup that was led in Game 2 by left‑handed hitters Steven Kwan, José Ramirez and rookie Chase DeLauter. The South Side crowd hopes to witness the White Sox clinch their first home playoff series victory since the 1906 World Series.
Espino Surprises as Cleveland’s Opener
Espino’s selection as the opener is more unexpected for a Guardians team that typically relies on a traditional starting rotation. The rookie made three starts during the regular season, posting a 6.25 ERA, and finished his first 14 big‑league appearances with a 4.11 ERA. A first‑round draft pick in 2019, his development was delayed by two shoulder surgeries and four missed seasons.
“I was wishing just to throw a baseball,” Espino said. “I’m now starting a Game 3. It’s just really important, but every step that I’ve taken in my life has been really important, since leaving my home in Panama, to moving to the States, and tomorrow.”
Guardians manager Stephen Vogt explained the decision: “Of all the options in the bullpen, I felt like giving the ball to Daniel was the right call. It’s been a formula that’s worked, so Daniel is going to start.”
Series Context and Stakes
With the White Sox leading the series 2‑0, Game 3 represents a critical juncture. A victory would clinch the series for Chicago, while a loss would force the Guardians into a do‑or‑die scenario in Game 4. The atmosphere at Rate Field is expected to be electric, with fans eager to see the home team secure a rare postseason series win at home.
Implications for the Bullpen
Both teams’ bullpen usage will be closely watched. The White Sox have shown a willingness to mix and match roles, while the Guardians may need to rely on a bulk innings pitcher after Espino’s exit. The decision to start an opener could influence how many relief arms are available for the later innings, especially in a short series where every out counts.
Key Matchups and Predictions
The head‑to‑head matchup features Newcomb’s left‑handed stuff against a Guardians lineup that includes switch‑hitter José Ramirez and left‑handed rookie Chase DeLauter. Espino, a right‑hander, will need to navigate a White Sox order that thrives on power and speed. Analysts suggest that the outcome may hinge on how effectively each opener can pitch into the middle innings and how quickly the bullpen can step in without giving up momentum.
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