Nathaniel

Lowe

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).

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).

Lowe sat in Game 1, but even with left-hander Anthony Kay on the mound, the Guardians will turn to him to man first base. Lowe entered Game 1 after left-hander Hagen Smith was removed from the game and went 1-for-2 with a walk. His insertion in the lineup will move Angel Martinez to sixth in the order.

Hoskins would give Cleveland a right-handed option at first base to complement fellow veteran Nathaniel Lowe leading into the postseason. He’s been out with back inflammation since mid-August.

Lowe’s homer was a two-run shot off Seth Lugo in the bottom of the first. He has hit fourth or fifth in every game against a right-hander since coming over from the Reds at this summer’s trade deadline. Kyle Manzardo has been at Triple-A ever since, suggesting there’s no threat to Lowe’s strong-side platoon role down the stretch.

Lowe was an offensive engine for the Guardians here. He got them on the board with a solo home run in the second, drove home another run with a single in the third, and scampered home to score on a wild pitch as they tried to mount a comeback in the eighth. In eight games since being acquired at the trade deadline, he’s gone 8-for-27 with two home runs and eight RBI.

Lowe is off to a .333/.385/.667 start in three games as a Guardian and has knocked in five runs. In this one, he took Nolan McLean out on a line drive to right for his 13th homer of the season. It’s likely he’ll remain a strong side platoon bat for the Guardians but a good first impression never hurts.

Manzardo has been limited to mostly facing right-handed starters and the Guardians are going to roll with newly acquired Nathaniel Lowe in that role at first base for the final two months. The 26-year-old former top prospect heads back to the minors after hitting .215/.306/.378 with 13 homers and 39 RBI in 356 plate appearances over 102 games this season. He’s simply not a fantasy-relevant option at first base anymore.