Stephen Vogt is turning to right-hander Daniel Espino as the opener for Game 3, a move that gives the Guardians a clear first look at the White Sox before the rest of the pitching plan unfolds.
The decision fits the broader feel of this series: a potentially decisive game, no more off days, and a staff that has already been asked to carry a heavy load during the season. With that in mind, Cleveland can use Espino to get the game started and still keep other rotation options available behind him.
Why the opener matters
Before the game, Venable said he would not tip his hand on the bulk pitcher plans. He said the team would “read and react” and get “inventory” on how the available arms are throwing, adding that there is “a different calculus here” with a game potentially tomorrow and no more off days. In other words, the opener is only part of the plan.
That approach gives the Guardians flexibility. Espino can handle the opening assignment, while Cleveland keeps the rest of its pitching choices intact depending on how the game develops. The source noted that the rotation options remain available after Espino, which is the main reason this setup makes sense in a game of this importance.
What comes next
The White Sox have already used their bullpen heavily this season, so every pitching decision carries extra weight in a game like this. The opener choice is designed to manage those innings carefully and avoid committing too early to a longer outing from one arm.
On the day of the game, Sox Machine Live was scheduled to begin its pregame show at the Ramova Theatre at 2 p.m. CT, while the on-field decision centered on how Cleveland would navigate Game 3 from the first inning onward. For now, the biggest answer is straightforward: Daniel Espino gets the ball first.
