Sean Newcomb and Daniel Espino Named Starters for ALDS Game 3

Chicago lefty Sean Newcomb will face Cleveland right-hander Daniel Espino on Wednesday as the White Sox look to complete a three-game sweep.

The Chicago White Sox will start left-hander Sean Newcomb against Cleveland Guardians right-hander Daniel Espino in Game 3 of the American League Division Series on Wednesday. Chicago currently holds a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series, placing Cleveland in a must-win situation at Rate Field. The White Sox enter the contest with a 4-0 record this postseason.

Newcomb posted a 2-5 record with a 3.09 ERA during the regular season, including four saves and six starts. In his six appearances as an opener, he recorded a 0.84 ERA. He is one of five lefties on the Chicago roster and is scheduled to face a Cleveland lineup that featured Steven Kwan, Jose Ramirez, and Chase DeLauter at the top of the order in Game 2. A victory would mark the first time the White Sox have clinched a postseason series at home since the 1906 World Series.

Espino, a 2019 first-round draft pick, makes the start for Cleveland after a season where he posted a 6.25 ERA in three opening assignments. The rookie missed four seasons due to injuries, including two shoulder surgeries, and finished his first 14 major league appearances with a 4.11 ERA. Manager Stephen Vogt selected Espino over other bullpen options to handle the start, though the team has not specified which pitcher will provide bulk relief innings following the opener.