Bailey back in the starting lineup for Game 3

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).

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).

Bailey didn’t start the game behind the dish but came on as a pinch-hitter for Austin Hedges in the fifth inning. There, he tagged Erick Fedde for a 376-foot (110.0-mph EV) solo shot that got the Guardians on the board. That was the hardest hit ball in Bailey’s career. He then delivered a go-ahead RBI single as part of a six-run uprising in the sixth inning to help the Guardians take control of the game before scoring on a fielding error by Chase Meidroth. Expect Bailey to be behind the dish in another must-win game for the Guardians in Game 5 back at home on Saturday.

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).

With the American League Central wrapped up, Guardians’ skipper Stephen Vogt is using Sunday as an opportunity to give several of his regulars a day off including Ramírez, Steven Kwan, Chase DeLauter, Patrick Bailey and Brayan Rocchio.

Bailey his balls 342 and 380 feet for his first career two-homer game. He’s hit an adequate .231/.296/.396 with nine homers in 81 games since arriving from San Francisco in May. He was at .146/.213/.183 in 30 games when he was traded.

Bailey was responsible for two of the Guardians’ six hits on the night. The Guardians were stifled by Michael Wacha for eight innings of scoreless ball on the night, but it was a decent night at the plate for Bailey, who has now hit safely in four of his last six games and is slashing .229/.345/.396 on the month.

Bailey connected on a three-run shot off Zack Agnos that turned a comfortable 5-1 lead into an 8-1 blowout. He’s homered seven times in 2026, and six of those have come in 58 games since being traded to the Guardians. Bailey is in the league because of his prowess behind the plate rather than his success at it, but he does occasionally remind why he was a first-round pick six years ago.

Bailey exacted revenge against his former club in the opening inning, smacking a two-out RBI single that increased the Guardians’ lead to 3-0 and proved to be the difference in the ballgame. He then singled in the fourth inning and swiped second base before being stranded there. Bailey also walked in the sixth and scored on an RBI knock by Steven Kwan. With his two-hit afternoon, the 27-year-old backstop is now hitting .189/.247/.295 with six homers, 26 RBI and three stolen bases on the year.

It held up early in the game, but the Twins tied it 1-1 in the eighth and Bailey failed to get a bunt down to move the ghost runner over in extra innings in one of an incredible four straight half-innings in which neither team scored. Bailey has now hit three homers and batted .277/.320/.511 in his last 15 games. It’s a fun hot streak, but Bailey is not in the big leagues for his bat.