Burleson has first career three HR game

Messick struck out five batters in the abbreviated outing but also issued four free passes which led to the quick hook in the third inning. Messick walked Munetaka Murakami with the bases loaded to force in a run, then exited with the bases loaded with one out — and one of the inherited runners scored against the Guardians’ bullpen as well. The 25-year-old southpaw got 12 whiffs on 65 pitches in the contest, posting a CSW of 28 percent. It’s unclear if he’ll be available to work out of the Guardians’ bullpen in a must-win Game 5 back in Cleveland on Saturday.

Antonacci entered the game as a pinch-hitter with the bases loaded in the third inning where he delivered a sacrifice fly to increase the White Sox’ early lead to 2-0. He then strolled to the dish with the bases loaded in the fifth inning and was plunked to force in another run, tying the game at 3-3. He also singled off of Gavin Williams in the ninth inning. The versatile 23-year-old will need more of that magic in Game 5 on Saturday as the White Sox will be fighting to keep their World Series dream alive.

Vargas tagged Guardians’ closer Cade Smith for a 386-foot solo shot to lead off the ninth inning, but all that did was pull the White Sox to within four runs at 9-5. Vargas also walked and stole a base during a two-run rally in the third inning, then walked and scored on a sacrifice fly in the fifth inning. The ninth-inning blast was Vargas’ first home run — and first RBI — of the postseason.

Fedde came on with the bases loaded and two outs in the opening inning and struck out Angel Martinez to get out of a major jam. He then cruised through the next three innings unscathed until serving up a solo homer to Patrick Bailey in the fifth inning. He then exited after allowing a one-out single to Steven Kwan. Fedde got three whiffs on 61 pitches on the night, posting a CSW of 25 percent. It remains to be seen if he’ll be available out of the White Sox’ bullpen in a pivotal Game 5 on Saturday.

Candelario surprisingly cracked the Angels’ Opening Day roster in 2026, but was designated for assignment in early April after starting out 2-for-18 (.111) in his first seven games. He went on to have a solid season at Triple-A Salt Lake though, slashing .281/.377/.509 with 15 homers and 56 RBI in 387 plate appearances.

The 29-year-old right-hander made 17 forgettable appearances at the MLB level for the Nationals during the 2026 campaign, compiling a 9.33 ERA, 2.18 WHIP and an 11/13 K/BB ratio over 18 1/3 innings of work. He’s now free to start peddling his wares on the open market.

The 31-year-old right-hander will get a head start on free agency. Lawrence had a disastrous 2026 season at the MLB level, registering a 7.34 ERA, 1.95 WHIP and a 43/28 K/BB ratio over 34 1/3 innings in 37 appearances between the Pirates, Twins and Nationals. It’s difficult to envision him landing anything other than a minor league deal with an invitation to big league camp.

With their season on the line once again on Thursday, the Guardians will do anything necessary to survive — which includes using their ace out of the bullpen if they have to. Williams threw 98 pitches while striking out 11 batters over five innings in Game 2 on Monday. In a best-case scenario, the Guardians would love to save him for a decisive fifth game back in Cleveland, but that requires a win on Thursday to get there first and they may not have that luxury.

The 39-year-old impending free agent told Jon Heyman of the New York Post, “I love competing” when asked about his future. It remains to be seen if he’ll be able to find an opportunity that fits what he’s looking for. That free agent search could be made even more complicated by MLB’s labor dispute. Goldschmidt slashed a solid .252/.313/.452 with 18 homers and 52 RBI over 380 plate appearances for the Yankees in 2026 while doing most of his damage against left-handed pitching.

The Guardians were able to stave off elimination with a victory in Game 3 on Wednesday and they’ll run back an almost identical lineup as they try to do the same in Game 4. The only change will be Hedges catching instead of Patrick Bailey. Here’s the full lineup for the Guardians in a must-win spot against Hagen Smith and company on Thursday evening in Chicago: Steven Kwan (CF), Jose Ramirez (3B), Chase DeLauter (RF), Jo Adell (DH), Nathaniel Lowe (1B), Angel Martinez (LF), Travis Bazzana (2B), Hedges (C) and Brayan Rocchio (SS).