Allison: You are not ready for this opening night. We’re talking about a rookie lefty staring down the barrel of Cleveland’s power lineup in Game One of the ALDS. And let me tell you, the injury report is longer than the list of guys who actually want to play today.
Derek: It’s a fascinating tactical puzzle. Hagen Smith gets the nod, which means we have to look at how the rest of that rotation handles the pressure. It’s not just about one starter; it’s about survival.
Allison: Welcome back to the Beatline Podcast Network! I’m Allison, and this is your daily deep dive into the game. Derek, good to have you here as we kick off October baseball with the White Sox and Guardians.
Derek: Hey Allison. It’s wild to be here. The energy is different when the regular season ends and the real work begins. Eighty-four wins got us to the dance, but now every pitch counts double.
Allison: Exactly. So here is what we are tackling today. First, we break down the pitching matchup for Game One and why Hagen Smith is the unexpected hero. Second, we get real about the injury crisis—specifically the bullpen and catching depth—and what that means for Colson Montgomery and Munetaka Murakami. And finally, we give you our keys to the series and a bold prediction on how this ALDS plays out.
Allison: Let’s start with the obvious. The headlines say Hagen Smith starts Game One. He’s a reliever by trade. How do you feel about putting a rookie lefty on the mound against Cleveland?
Derek: It’s a gutsy move, Allison. Usually, you want your ace. But looking at the roster, Erick Fedde and Sean Newcomb are available, but maybe the coaching staff wants to preserve them or they see something in Smith’s stuff that matches up well early. Smith throws from the left side, which is always tricky for right-heavy lineups.
Allison: Right, but Cleveland isn’t just right-handed. They’ve got bats that can handle southpaws. Did we see enough from Smith in September to trust him for five innings?
Derek: That’s the risk. If he doesn’t go deep, you’re burning a relief arm immediately. And given the injuries we’ll talk about later, burning arms is dangerous. But if he gets those first three batters out, the crowd momentum shifts. That’s the goal.
Allison: So, who is next? If Smith goes four innings, who takes the ball for Game Two? Is it Anthony Kay or Davis Martin?
Derek: It’s likely Anthony Kay. He’s been consistent in the minors and has shown flashes in the majors. Davis Martin is there too, but Kay feels like the safer bet for a short outing. Then, you’re looking at Erick Fedde for Game Three or Four if they split the first two.
Allison: And what about Sean Burke? He’s on the roster. Why isn’t he getting the call over someone like Noah Schultz?
Derek: Burke has experience, but maybe the command wasn’t quite there late in the year. Schultz is younger, more projectable. In the playoffs, sometimes you go with the guy who has thrown live hitters in big spots recently. Burke might need more time to build that rhythm.
Allison: Okay, so the plan is: Smith opens, Kay follows, then Fedde anchors the middle. It’s a tight loop. Let’s shift gears to the offense. Colson Montgomery was electric in the Wild Card round. Can he keep that heat going against Cleveland’s pitching?
Derek: He has to. Montgomery is the engine. His swing path is clean, his launch angle is optimized for extra-base hits. Against Cleveland’s strikeout leader Gavin Williams, though, patience will be key. If Montgomery chases early, he’s in trouble.
Allison: Right, and Munetaka Murakami? He’s been quiet lately. Does Cleveland know how to handle him?
Derek: Murakami has platoon splits. He’s better against right-handers. If Cleveland brings in a lefty specialist, Murakami might see limited action. But against a righty, he’s a monster. He needs to drive the ball to the opposite field.
Allison: So, Montgomery is the lock, Murakami is situational. What about the rest of the lineup? Who else can contribute?
Derek: Luisangel Acuna provides speed and contact. He won’t hit many homers, but he can put pressure on the defense. And Brenton Doyle in center field is a defensive wizard. If he makes a highlight-reel catch, it changes the vibe of the whole stadium.
Allison: I love that. Speed and defense. Okay, we’re halfway through. Stick with us, because things are about to get complicated. We’re taking a quick break, but when we come back, we’re diving into the injury report that could sink or save this team.
Allison: We are back. And Derek, I looked at the injury list again. My eyes crossed. Who are the biggest losses for the White Sox right now?
Derek: It’s brutal. Derek Burrows is out 60 days. Enyel De Los Santos is out. Cristian Javier is out. Brice Matthews is out. That’s four pitchers gone. Plus, Tanner Murray and Prelander Berroa are on the 60-day IL. This is a depleted roster.
Allison: And the catching situation? Joey Bart is on the 10-day IL. Jake Rogers is listed as paternity leave. Who is behind the plate for Game One?
Derek: Kyle Teel. He’s young, inexperienced in the postseason. Catching a rookie pitcher like Hagen Smith requires composure. Teel has to frame pitches perfectly and keep the defense organized. It’s a high-pressure spot.
Allison: This is huge. If the bullpen is missing guys like Burrows and Matthews, who is holding the fort? Huascar Brazoban? Jordan Hicks?
Derek: Yes. Brazoban and Hicks are your closers now. Bryan Hudson and Grant Taylor are in the mix. Sean Newcomb might have to throw multiple innings if things get messy. You can’t afford any more injuries in the bullpen.
Allison: And Luis Castillo is on the 15-day IL. He’s a key piece of the rotation. How does that impact the strategy?
Derek: It forces the manager to use the pen more. If Castillo isn’t available, you’re relying on Smith, Kay, and Fedde to carry the load. It’s a heavy lift. Every inning matters twice now.
Allison: So, the White Sox are fighting with one hand tied behind their back. But they still have talent. Montgomery, Murakami, Acuna. Can they overcome the attrition?
Derek: They have to. Offense is the only way to keep the starters fresh. If the bats score runs, the bullpen doesn’t have to work as hard. It’s all connected. One weak link breaks the chain.
Allison: Before we wrap this segment, I want to take a moment. Our show is free, with no ads and no paywall. Listener support is what protects that. Please chip in via the link in the episode description.
Derek: We appreciate every single one of you. It keeps the lights on and the analysis sharp. Thank you for being part of the family.
Allison: Okay, let’s get to the final stretch. What are the keys to winning this series? What does the White Sox need to do to beat Cleveland?
Allison: Number one: Pitching efficiency. Get the outs in the first three innings. Number two: Montgomery stays hot. Number three: Defense holds up. No errors. Number four: Bullpen management. Don’t burn Hicks until it’s Game Seven.
Derek: I’d add plate discipline. Cleveland’s pitchers are elite. Make them work. Walks lead to rallies. And don’t forget the platoon advantages. Mix and match your hitters to exploit Cleveland’s weaknesses.
Allison: Bold prediction time. I think the White Sox win this series in five games. They grind it out. Montgomery hits a walk-off in Game Five.
Derek: I’ll go four games. I think the pitching depth gives Cleveland fits. Smith wins Game One, Kay wins Game Two, Fedde closes it out in Game Three or Four. I see a sweep or a four-game win.
Allison: Disagree! I’m sticking with five. The underdog spirit is strong. Okay, recap time. White Sox face Guardians in ALDS. Hagen Smith starts. Injuries are a major concern. Montgomery and Murakami must deliver.
Allison: Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review us wherever you listen. Share this episode with a friend who loves baseball. Let’s keep the conversation going. Go White Sox!
Derek: Thanks for listening. See you next time.