Gavin Williams to Start Pivotal ALDS Game 5 for Guardians Against White Sox

The Cleveland Guardians are set to host the Chicago White Sox for the decisive Game 5 of the American League Division Series at Progressive Field on Saturday night. The winner will advance to the AL Championship Series, while the losing team will end their 2026 season.

In this critical matchup, the White Sox will rely on their top pitcher, Sean Burke, while the Guardians will start right-hander Gavin Williams, who led the American League with 248 strikeouts during the regular season. Williams recently pitched in relief during the Guardians' Game 4 victory, and just two days later, he will take the mound for Game 5.

Williams will become only the sixth pitcher since 1945 to record the last out of one game and then start the next game in the same postseason series. His previous performance against the White Sox in Game 2 saw him strike out 11 batters over five innings, allowing two runs on four hits. This historical context adds to the significance of his upcoming start.