The White Sox will continue their unconventional pitching strategy in Game 3 of the AL Division Series against the Guardians on Wednesday, sending southpaw Sean Newcomb to the mound in what is almost certainly an opener role. 

But it just might be a strong matchup for Cleveland. 

In Game 1, the Guardians were able to scratch two runs across with Newcomb on the mound after he replaced Anthony Kay and committed a throwing error that allowed Steven Kwan and Jose Ramírez to score. 

He would go on to throw two full innings, but it wasn’t easy, allowing a walk and a hit and relying on three strikeouts to prevent Cleveland from doing more damage. 

Newcomb was shaky in his only outing during the American League Wild Card Series as well, allowing two runs on two hits and a homer over one inning against the Astros. 

The bigger problem for Newcomb could come when Ramírez steps to the plate in the No. 2 or 3 spot in the first.

José Ramírez of the Cleveland Guardians is in action during an at bat in the third inning against the Chicago White Sox in game two of the American League Division Series at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026. Getty Images

The Guardians’ best hitter has already shown he can handle the left-hander, getting three knocks in four at-bats against him, including an opposite field double and a single to right field during a series in Cleveland less than a month ago.

If he gets a hittable pitch in that first trip, he’s shown he can do damage against this matchup.

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Bet on the hit parade to start early for Ramírez and Co.

The play: Jose Ramírez to get a hit in his first plate appearance (+260, DraftKings Sportsbook)

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Dylan Svoboda is a versatile writer and analyst across many sports. He’s particularly knowledgeable about the big three — MLB, the NFL and the NBA.