The Cleveland Guardians face a crucial three-game series against the Chicago White Sox with Aaron Civale returning from injury. The Guardians currently hold a four-game lead in the AL Central as they head to Guaranteed Rate Field.

The White Sox will feature their top pitchers, including Cy Young candidate Dylan Cease, a hot Lance Lynn, and potentially Johnny Cueto. Civale's return adds uncertainty to the matchup, though his August performance showed promise with a 3.43 ERA and 3.80 FIP across four starts.

The Guardians enter as underdogs at +148, but their 9-7 season record against Chicago suggests value. Civale holds a 4-3 career record against the White Sox, despite a 5.00 ERA.

Keys for Cleveland Victory:

• Civale must limit home runs and keep pitches low in the zone
• Focus on early strike counts against aggressive White Sox hitters
• Contain Luis Robert's impact if he plays
• Manage damage to solo home runs rather than multi-run shots

With Cleveland's magic number at 12, a win would bring them closer to clinching the division and set up an exciting October run.

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