Chicago @ Cleveland preview
Progressive Field
Last Meeting ( Mar 9, 2025 ) Chi. White Sox 0, Cleveland 1
The Cleveland Guardians will be the last major league team to make their home debut when they host the Chicago White Sox in the opener of a three-game series Tuesday.
The Guardians opened the season with a nine-game road trip that ended with a 3-6 record. It's not the mark they hoped to bring back to Progressive Field, but it won't quell their enthusiasm.
"We're pumped to get home," Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt said. "We know we're going to be better than this offensively. We know we're going to be better than this defensively. We know we're going to pitch better, so I've got the utmost confidence in our guys."
The Guardians combined to go 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position the past two games, a 10-4 loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday and a 6-2 loss in the series' rubber game on Sunday.
"We have these opportunities to score, we're just not getting it done," Vogt said. "It's still early. I like where our guys are at. We're having good at-bats. I just think we need to turn it up a little bit. We need to get some stuff going our way and, when we do get those guys on, keep the line moving."
The Guardians also committed four fielding errors in the most recent three-game series, including two by third baseman Jose Ramirez, giving him four on the season. Cleveland has the lowest fielding percentage in baseball at .970.
"We're not making plays we're capable of making," Vogt said. "They know it. We're working every day. It's not a lack of effort. It's just, for whatever reason right now, we're having a little bit of trouble on defense and we know that's not going to stay. We know that's going to get better, and we're going to get it going on Tuesday."
Vogt plans to send right-hander Ben Lively to the mound for the home opener.
Lively (0-1, 6.75 ERA) will be making his third start of the season, most recently taking the loss after surrendering four runs and seven hits over 4 1/3 innings of a 5-2 setback at the San Diego Padres on April 2.
He has made three starts in his career against the White Sox and is 1-1 with a 3.95 ERA.
The White Sox plan to counter with rookie right-hander Shane Smith.
Smith (0-0, 3.18) went 5 2/3 innings in his major league debut on April 1, allowing two runs and two hits while striking out three and walking four in an 8-3 loss to the Minnesota Twins.
Smith took a 3-0 lead into the sixth before leaving in the middle of the five-run inning as the Twins took control.
"He did great. That was awesome. He was under control," White Sox manager Will Venable said. "I thought he had composure out there, really overpowering with the fastball, good secondary stuff. Was able to mix it up and get some really good hitters out."
Smith got the first two batters out in the sixth inning of his MLB debut, but then departed after walking back-to-back batters on nine pitches and the bullpen wasn't able to bail him out.
"Whether I say I'm tired or I'm not, if I'm missing fastballs up, that's an indication," Smith said of his fatigue level. "I wanted the last guy. I think every guy wants their last guy. They don't want to be pulled in the middle of an inning. I felt good for most of it, but didn't throw strikes when I had to."
--Field Level Media