Overview
- The Cleveland Guardians beat the Chicago White Sox 9-5 to even the ALDS 2-2 and send the series back to Cleveland for a decisive Game 5 on Saturday at 8:00 p.m. ET.
- José Ramírez supplied the offense that swung the series with key hits in Games 3 and 4, including a two-run homer in Game 4 that drove a six-run sixth inning.
- Thursday's early exit by Parker Messick and heavy bullpen usage forced Cleveland to use eight pitchers in Game 4 and to turn to Gavin Williams in relief late in the game.
- Closer Cade Smith threw 31 pitches across two innings in Game 4 and Cade's workload combined with Gavin Williams' 18-pitch relief outing have left both teams uncertain about who is available to start or cover multiple innings on Saturday.
- Chicago reliever Grant Taylor said he is willing to pitch any role in Game 5 while both clubs weigh creative options for starters, bulk arms and late-inning matchups that will decide who advances to face the Tampa Bay Rays.