How Guardians' Gavin Williams has pitched against White Sox in 2026

After dominating the Chicago White Sox in Game 2, Gavin Williams is starting the decisive American League Division Series Game 5 for the Cleveland Guardians on Saturday. Several analysts are questioning Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt for using Williams in an 18-pitch performance to close Game 4 on Thursday.

Williams pitched one inning, allowing one hit with a strikeout in Game 4. In Game 2, Williams pitched 5.0 innings, allowing two earned runs on four hits and three walks with 11 strikeouts in 5.0 innings. The White Sox were patient against Williams in Game 2. 

Williams threw 98 pitches before leaving the game after Miguel Vargas singled leading off the sixth inning. Vargas was the best White Sox hitter against Williams in 2026 with a .429 batting average, .471 on-base percentage, .643 slugging percentage, 1.113 OPS, one home run and four runs batted in. 

Williams had no wins, one loss, a 3.98 earned run average, a 1.28 WHIP and 28 strikeouts in 20.1 innings against the White Sox during the 2026 regular season in four appearances, all starts. The White Sox need to continue being patient against Williams on Saturday.