Jose Ramirez Favored Against White Sox Opener Sean Newcomb in ALDS Game 3
Cleveland's slugger has a history of success against left-handed pitcher Sean Newcomb, who is expected to start as an opener for the White Sox.
The Chicago White Sox are set to employ an unconventional pitching strategy in Game 3 of the American League Division Series against the Cleveland Guardians, with left-handed pitcher Sean Newcomb slated to start. However, this approach may present a favorable matchup for the Guardians, particularly for their star hitter Jose Ramirez.
Newcomb has served in an opener role for the White Sox, and his previous outings have shown vulnerability. In Game 1 of the series, Newcomb entered the game after Anthony Kay, and a throwing error allowed Guardians' Steven Kwan and Jose Ramirez to score. While he pitched two full innings, he also issued a walk and allowed a hit, relying on three strikeouts to limit further damage. His performance in the American League Wild Card Series against the Astros was also shaky, where he surrendered two runs on two hits and a home run in a single inning.
The prospect of Ramirez facing Newcomb early in Game 3 poses a significant challenge for Chicago. Ramirez has demonstrated a strong ability to hit left-handed pitching, particularly Newcomb. In four at-bats against Newcomb less than a month prior in a series in Cleveland, Ramirez recorded three hits, including an opposite-field double and a single to right field. If Newcomb delivers a hittable pitch, Ramirez has a proven track record of capitalizing.
The analysis suggests that the Guardians' offense, led by Ramirez, could get off to an early start against Newcomb. One betting prediction favors Ramirez to get a hit in his first plate appearance against the White Sox opener.