The Chicago White Sox are placing their trust in Anthony Kay once again in Game 2 against the Cleveland Guardians. In Game 1, Kay pitched 1 1/3 innings, contributing to the team’s success. Manager Will Venable announced plans for Kay’s early involvement in Game 2, with Sean Burke also anticipated to play a significant role.
Kay’s performance has been solid this postseason. He allowed only one hit and a walk in his scoreless appearance during Saturday’s 3-0 win. His earlier contribution helped secure a victory against the Houston Astros in the wild-card series, further showcasing his adaptability in shorter stints.
“It’s interesting watching him adjust to the new role,” Venable said. “His velocity has increased, and he’s delivering crucial pitches, though we’ve yet to see extended play from him.”
Preparations continued Sunday before Game 2, scheduled for 4 p.m. Monday. Here are three insights from Progressive Field as the team gears up for the challenge:
1. Sean Burke Ready for Action
Sean Burke is prepared to step in whenever necessary. Although he’s unsure when he’ll pitch, Burke stated his readiness. His previous outing in Game 2 of the wild-card series saw him allow three solo home runs but still manage five strikeouts over four innings.
Burke expressed confidence in his form, saying, “The crispness of my pitches felt great. Despite the home runs, it was a good performance overall.” He emphasized the excitement of playoff baseball and the importance of playing in such pivotal moments.
During the regular season, Burke’s record against the Guardians was impressive, boasting a 2-0 record with a 1.04 ERA in three outings.
2. Adopting a Tristan Peters-Like Approach
The team plans to emulate a tenacious approach similar to Tristan Peters’ 18-pitch at-bat against Guardians pitcher Gavin Williams. Peters managed to draw a walk amid 12 foul balls, setting an example for his teammates.
Venable highlighted the need for persistence, stating, “We want to challenge Williams with a mindset akin to Peters’, making it tough for him to navigate our lineup.”
3. Monitoring Hagen Smith and Grant Taylor’s Workload
In Game 1, Hagen Smith and Grant Taylor made significant contributions, with Smith pitching 2 2/3 innings and Taylor closing the game with a four-inning stint. Venable emphasized the importance of managing their involvement responsibly.
“We want to win but also avoid injuries,” Venable stressed. “Balancing their playing time with periods of rest is crucial to maintain their effectiveness and health.”
With an understanding of each player’s limits and the strategic use of off days, the team aims to utilize Smith and Taylor wisely in Game 2 following their previous exertions.