Jo

Adell

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).

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).

Adell came through with a two-run single off of Grant Taylor during a six-run uprising in the sixth inning, pushing the Guardians’ lead to 9-4. The 27-year-old slugger is now 4-for-15 (.267) with six RBI in his first four postseason contests for the Guardians.

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).

Adell put Cleveland in front by rocketing a bases-clearing double into the right-field corner against White Sox rookie sensation Hagen Smith with two outs in the third inning. It was the big knock that helped turn the tide for the Guardians in a must-win affair on the road in Chicago to keep their postseason hopes alive.

Adell drove in two with a third-inning single off Anthony Kay that put Cleveland up 2-0. He’s been an integral part of the Guardians’ lineup since being acquired from the Angels at this summer’s trade deadline, hitting second, third or fourth in every game since August 21. His 92 RBI are tied for the 11th-highest total among all hitters.

Adell’s home run was his 22nd of the season. He hit a two-run shot off Chris Murphy in the first inning. Adell has two home runs in his last three games. He’s hitting .239 with a .698 OPS and 90 RBI.

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.

Adell’s homer off Joe Ryan was absolutely crushed, leaving his bat at 116.8 mph and traveling a projected 451 feet. It’s the second hardest he’s ever hit a ball, trailing a 117.2-mph homer off Drew Smyly in 2023, and it’s the third hardest-hit home run of the year, coming in behind only a pair of blasts from Oneil Cruz.