White Sox aim to extend AL Central lead against Guardians in pivotal series

Entering the final series of the season, the Chicago White Sox continue to hold the American League Central lead and will face the Cleveland Guardians at home. Right-hander Davis Martin is scheduled to start for Chicago; after early-season success, his ERA rose to 4.32 by August but he has rebounded with a 10.2-inning, one-run effort in September. Cleveland will counter with Foster Griffin, a trade-deadline addition who finished the year 15-5 with a 3.65 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP, despite a recent stretch that saw 13 of his 22 earned runs come in a single outing.

The White Sox currently lead the season series 7-4, but a Guardians win could tighten the race. Both clubs are looking to solidify their positions as the postseason approaches, with the White Sox hoping to maintain a potential first-round bye.