Petey Halpin hits first two MLB homers in victory

Even though the Guardians have been limited to eight runs in the last four games, nothing is changing tonight. The lineup: Steven Kwan (LF), José Ramírez (3B), Chase DeLauter (RF), Jo Adell (DH), Nathaniel Lowe (1B), Travis Bazzana (2B), Patrick Bailey (C), Petey Halpin (CF) and Brayan Rocchio (SS). The only other player to get a start in the series was Austin Hedges catching in Game 2.

If you’re keeping track at home, it’s also the same lineup that they deployed in victories in Game 1 and 3 of the series. Battling Rays’ right-hander Drew Rasmussen is always a very difficult assignment, but they managed to earn a victory against him in Game 1, so they know that it can be done. Here’s the full lineup that manager Stephen Vogt has turned in for the Guardians’ most critical game of the season on Sunday: Steven Kwan (LF), José Ramírez (3B), Chase DeLauter (RF), Jo Adell (DH), Nathaniel Lowe (1B), Travis Bazzana (2B), Patrick Bailey (C), Petey Halpin (CF) and Brayan Rocchio (SS).

Even though the Guardians only scored three runs in the contest, the Guardians feel like that’s the best possible lineup that they are able to put on the field against an opposing right-hander, so there’s no need to change anything up. Game 3 hero Petey Halpin will start in center field and bat eighth. Here’s the full lineup that they’ll deploy against Rays’ right-hander Nick Martinez as they look to take a commanding 3-1 advantage in the series: Steven Kwan (LF), Jose Ramírez (3B), Chase DeLauter (RF), Jo Adell (DH), Nathaniel Lowe (1B), Travis Bazzana (2B), Patrick Bailey (C), Petey Halpin (CF) and Brayan Rocchio (SS).

Halpin came to bat with the Guardians down 2-1 in the fifth inning and a runner on first. In a 2-2 count, he took a sinker right down the middle and hit it 385 feet to right-center field to put the Guardians on top 3-2. No other runs would cross the plate. Despite being more of a defensive player, Halpin is 4-for-12 this postseason with two RBI and two runs scored.

Ramírez served as Cleveland’s primary offensive catalyst, sparking a memorable comeback to take down the division-rival White Sox in a decisive Game 5 to reach the ALCS for the first time since 2016. The 34-year-old franchise cornerstone hit .417 (5-for-12) with two homers and seven RBI during the final three games of the series. They’ll face a tough challenge against Rays ace Drew Rasmussen at Tropicana Field to kick off the best-of-seven series. Here’s the full lineup: Steven Kwan (LF), Ramírez (3B), Chase DeLauter (RF), Jo Adell (DH), Nathaniel Lowe (1B), Travis Bazzana (2B), Patrick Bailey (C), Petey Halpin (CF) and Brayan Rocchio (SS).

Halpin will get his first start of the postseason as the Guardians look to complete the 2-0 comeback. Angel Martinez will begin Saturday’s win-or-go-home contest on the bench, but seems likely to be involved at some point. The full lineup against Sean Burke in Game 5: 1. LF Steven Kwan 2. 3B José Ramírez 3. RF Chase DeLauter 4. DH Jo Adell 5. 1B Nathaniel Lowe 6. 2B Travis Bazzana 7. C Patrick Bailey 8. CF Halpin and Brayan Rocchio at shortstop with Gavin Williams on the mound.

We know that DeLauter (wrist) came to the ballpark sore on Tuesday after feeling something in his last at-bat on Monday. He’s listed as day-to-day but has not started in either of the last two games. Petey Halpin will start in center field and bat eighth while Steven Kwan will move to left field.

Lewis is back handling first base and hitting fifth after missing just one game with shoulder soreness. The 27-year-old has piled up 14 homers and 14 steals in 462 plate appearances this season, but he doesn’t offer enough batting average upside or counting stats to be relevant outside of extremely deep formats.

The 24-year-old outfielder was pulled from the second game of Friday’s doubleheader due to a sprained right wrist and has now missed the next two games. The Guardians remain optimistic that he won’t require a trip to the injured list. Petey Halpin will start in his place in center field and will bat eighth for the Guardians against Tigers’ right-hander Jackson Jobe.

DeLauter receives some additional time off after being removed from Friday’s doubleheader with a right wrist sprain. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt expressed optimism that the issue wouldn’t require a trip to the injured list. It seems unlikely that he’ll return this weekend, but it sounds like there’s a chance DeLauter is back in a couple days. It’l be Jo Adell taking over at DH with Petey Halpin drawing into the lineup to patrol center field.