ALDS Game 2 Preview: White Sox vs Guardians | Beatline White Sox

Let's dive right into the headline, [upbeat music] the pitching matchup.

In game one, Hagan Smith was absolutely electric, limiting the Guardians to just three hits over a complete game performance.

Who is on the mound for Cleveland tonight?

Cleveland has not officially confirmed their probable starter in our latest data, but given their rotation depth, they will likely go with a lefty to try and exploit platoon splits against the White Sox infield.

If they stick with a right-hander, they're gambling on the White Sox struggling to find contact again.

[whistle blows] Right.

And for the White Sox, Erick Fedde is the logical choice here.

He's got experience, he's got stuff, and he knows how to pitch in big moments.

Do you think sticking with Fedde is the right move after Hagan's heroics?

[crowd cheering] I do.

Hagan was phenomenal, but using him back to back would be reckless.

Fedde gives them six solid innings, which allows the bullpen to stay fresh.

And let's remember, the bullpen is already decimated by injuries.

Every arm counts tonight.

[buzzer blaring] That injury list is terrifying.

We've talked about it before, but seeing Reese Hoskins, Colin Holderman, Andrew Walters, Prelander Beroa, Joey Bart, Tanner Murray, Luis Castillo, and Kai Bush all out or on IL is a massive blow to the roster construction.

[crowd cheering] It's severe.

When you lose four relievers and multiple catchers, your strategic flexibility vanishes.

You can't pinch hit for a catcher if Joey Bart is on the 10-day IL.

You can't bring in a high-leverage specialist if Colin Holderman isn't available.

It forces manager Carl Willis to play his starters harder than usual.

[static crackles] So if the bullpen is this thin, Erick Fedde needs to go deep.

Can he handle the Guardians lineup twice? We know they adjusted in game one, but did they really struggle, or were they just outplayed? [drum rolls]

They didn't struggle.

They were neutralized.