Angel Martínez (side) returns to lineup vs. A’s

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.

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).

The Guardians’ bats showed impressive restraint in a game that the Royals completely gave away. Starter Noah Cameron walked four batters in five innings. Then, their bullpen walked an unbelievable nine batters between the eighth and ninth. Nate Pearson was the primary culprit with four free passes in the final frame. Then, Nolan Hoffman walked two more before Martínez socked a two-run double to finish off a five-run ninth inning. Red-hot heading into the postseason, he has a .301/.345/.573 slash line with six home runs over his last 30 games.

Martínez’ home run was his 18th of the season. He hit a solo shot off Ranger Suarez in the second inning, which accounted for all of the run scoring in the Guardians’ 1-0 victory. Martínez has hit .258 with 49 runs scored, 58 RBI and 11 steals despite sporadic playing time this year.

Martínez returned to the lineup for the first time since Monday and enjoyed an incredible day at the plate, starting with a two-run homer off Jacob Lopez in the first inning. He then doubled and scored in the third before taking Chris Roycroft deep for a solo blast in the fourth for his second home run of the game. Martínez collected a fourth hit and fourth RBI with a single in the sixth. The 24-year-old outfielder is hitting .255/.292/.467 with 17 homers, 47 runs scored, 57 RBI, and 11 steals across 390 plate appearances.

The Guardians are optimistic Martínez avoided a significant injury, but he’s not ready to play tonight. He had started nine of the team’s last 10 games. In his absence, the Guardians have Petey Halpin in center and Steven Kwan in left tonight.

Martínez was lifted for a defensive replacement in the eighth inning after striking out in the previous frame. It doesn’t appear to be a significant concern, but it wouldn’t be shocking to see him get a couple days off out of an abundance of caution.

Genao has now sat versus each of the last two left-handed starters. The 22-year-old is slashing .236/.300/.327 in 120 plate appearances for the Guardians with just six RBI, two home runs, and one steal. He does not need to be held in redraft fantasy leagues. Travis Bazzana will start at second base, with Angel Martinez in left field and Chase DeLauter at DH.

DeLauter takes a seat for the fourth consecutive game with a right wrist sprain. There’s been little indication that the Guardians are considering a trip to the injured list with manager Stephen Vogt telling reporters that he was feeling a lot better prior to Monday’s series opener. It’s worth noting that Cleveland is off until Friday following Wednesday’s series finale, which means they can afford to take their time here. Fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day for now. It’ll be Angel Martínez taking over in right field with Jo Adell at DH.

DeLauter has now missed three straight games with a sprained right wrist. However, the Orioles are also throwing a left-handed pitcher on Monday, so there is a chance that they viewed this as an easy way to give DeLauter another day of rest. Guardians’ manager Stephen Vogt said that DeLauter is “feeling a lot better” and will hit some batting practice today and is take flyballs in right field. It sounds like he could be back in the middle of this week, but Angel Martinez will play right field and bat cleanup.