si
Grant Taylor's impressive closing performance in Game 1 of the ALDS likely rules him out for Game 2, even with a scheduled off day. As a result, the Chicago White Sox are returning to a pitching approach that has served them well throughout the season.
Manager Will Venable has consistently demonstrated a willingness to deviate from conventional pitching roles. Given the team's success with this strategy, there's little reason to change course now. The plan for Game 2 confirms that Venable will stick with what works.
Kay Tabbed as Opener, Burke to Follow
Venable announced that Anthony Kay will open for Sean Burke in Game 2. This is a more defined plan than the one for Game 1, when Hagen Smith started with no set pitch limit. Smith recorded the first eight outs before losing command and being pulled.
During the regular season, Kay made four starts against the Cleveland Guardians, posting a 1-0 record with a 1.35 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP. In Game 1, he entered with two outs and a runner on base in the fourth inning, loaded the bases, but escaped without allowing a run. He then tossed a perfect fifth before Taylor secured the win.
Kay's dominance over Cleveland has carried into the postseason, and the White Sox are hoping Burke can replicate his own success against the Guardians. Burke went 2-0 with a 1.34 ERA, 21 strikeouts, three walks, and a 1.15 WHIP in his regular-season outings against them. In his most recent start in Cleveland on September 14, Sean Newcomb opened for Burke, who earned the win by throwing five-plus scoreless innings, allowing four hits.
Strategic Pairing for a Road Sweep
Among all White Sox pitchers who started against Cleveland this season, only Kay and Burke finished with sub-2.00 ERAs. Pairing them in Game 2 makes sense as Venable aims to steal both road games. If successful, it would give him more flexibility when planning for Game 3.
The immediate goal is to win Game 2 and secure two chances to clinch the series at home. Even if the Sox fall short, the Guardians would still need to win at least one game in Chicago to advance to the ALCS. Chicago is already in a strong position, and a stellar pitching performance in Game 2 would make it even stronger.