Guardians reveal starting rotation for ALDS showdown against White Sox

The Game 3 starter remains unknown, yet the way the ALDS schedule plays out means the Guardians should get two starts from both Messick and Williams if the series goes five games.

Game 3 could be Tanner Bibee, Foster Griffin or an opener situation and a bullpen game. The Guardians have options thanks to this current week of rest and off days between Games 1 and 2 and Games 2 and 3.

Messick has emerged as an ace in what counts as his rookie season, even though he made seven starts in 2025. He made the All-Star game in July and holds a 2.56 ERA with a 9.3 K/9 mark heading into October.

The southpaw made four starts against the White Sox in 2026, with the team going 2-2 in those games. However, he got a combined total of two runs of support in the two losses.

Winning the division completely changed the pitching plans for the Guardians. Now they must take advantage of the extra rest and shut down a White Sox team that comes in with plenty of momentum.