Photo via MLB.com

What you need to know about the Division Series matchups

The opening matchup of the Division Series features the White Sox and the Guardians after Chicago swept the Astros. During the regular season series, Chicago claimed seven victories while Cleveland took six, with six contests decided by a single margin and two stretching into extra frames.

This upcoming postseason clash marks the first time these two rivals will meet in the playoffs. In terms of team strengths, the Chicago lineup launched 211 home runs to rank fifth across the league, whereas Cleveland managed 162 long balls.

Cleveland bolstered its roster at the deadline by acquiring Jo Adell and Nathaniel Lowe, and the club features a strong pitching staff anchored by starters Parker Messick, Gavin Williams, and Foster Griffin, along with reliever Cade Smith. For the Guardians, seven-time All-Star Jose Ramirez remains a focal point after struggling following a thumb bone operation in June, leaving the team hoping he awakens for the October stretch.

Up nextMLB· 30m ago

Red-hot Padres on to NLDS