Messick was charged with the loss in Game 5 of the ALCS against Tampa Bay on Sunday, giving up two runs on five hits with three strikeouts and two walks across two innings.
Griffin didn't factor in the decision after giving up one run on four hits and no walks over 3.2 innings during Game 4 of the ALCS against the Rays on Saturday. He struck out five.
Bazzana went 2-for-3 with a walk and a solo homer in Game 4 of the ALCS against the Rays on Saturday.
Ramirez went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer and a walk during Game 5 of the ALCS against the White Sox on Saturday.
Williams earned the win in Game 5 of the ALDS against the White Sox on Saturday, striking out 12 and allowing one hit and two walks across 5.2 scoreless innings.
Holderman will undergo season-ending surgery on his right wrist, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.
The Royals transferred Cruz (personal) from the paternity list to the restricted list Sunday.
Adell went 2-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk in Sunday's 3-2 loss to the Royals.
Schneemann went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and a stolen base in Sunday's 3-2 loss to the Royals.
Erceg allowed a hit and struck out one over a scoreless inning to earn the save in Sunday's 3-2 win over the Guardians.
I can't say I love this, only like it and the sole reason I will play is because I'm being offered -1. My inclination is this pushes but Gavin Williams (10-3, 3.17 ERA) has been largely great on the mound for Cleveland, holds opponents to a .210 average at home and has a 3.27 ERA in two starts vs. the Royals in 2025. Lefties are hitting only .147 off him this year and he's right-handed. That's a bit unusual. Both teams used the bullpen plenty Wednesday so I trust Williams more than Royals rookie Stephen Kolek to deep -- although Kolek has been good of late too. That's why I lean a low-scoring push but maybe we get lucky.
Both pitchers come into this game is good form. Since being acquired by the Royals, Stephen Kolek has only allowed three runs in 13 innings while Gavin Williams has allowed three runs, or less, in three of his last four starts. Kansas City’s offense has struggled in September, hitting .202, while the Guardians have been hitting .218 against righties at home over the last two months. The under is also 3-1 in the last four meetings.
I've got a bit of a gut feeling here on the road 'dogs. I like Stephen Kolek and what he's done since getting to Kansas City and working with pitching guru Brian Sweeney while the Royals have seen Gavin Williams twice already while he can get himself in trouble with walks and home runs.
