The Cleveland Guardians host the Athletics at Progressive Field on Saturday, September 19, with first pitch scheduled for 6:10 PM ET. Tanner Bibee gets the call for Cleveland against Oakland's Jacob Lopez in a late-season regular season matchup that carries weight as both clubs look to close out September on their own terms. With the lineup card set and the rotation lined up, this is a game the Guardians should be motivated to win at home in front of their own fans.

Starting Pitchers: Tanner Bibee vs. Jacob Lopez

Bibee is Cleveland's assignment tonight, and that alone should give the home crowd reason for confidence. The right-hander has been one of the cornerstones of the Guardians' pitching staff and brings legitimate stuff to the mound every time out. His ability to generate weak contact and work deep into games gives Cleveland's bullpen a buffer it appreciates.

Opposing him is Jacob Lopez for the Athletics. Lopez is less established at this level, and that experience gap on the mound is a real factor. If Cleveland's lineup can put together quality at-bats early, Lopez could be in for a long evening at Progressive Field.

Cleveland Guardians Starting Lineup

• 1. Steven Kwan, CF
• 2. José Ramírez, 3B
• 3. Chase DeLauter, DH
• 4. Jo Adell, RF
• 5. Angel Martínez, LF
• 6. David Fry, 1B
• 7. Travis Bazzana, 2B
• 8. Austin Hedges, C
• 9. Brayan Rocchio, SS

Athletics Starting Lineup

• 1. Henry Bolte, CF
• 2. Jeff McNeil, 1B
• 3. Shea Langeliers, DH
• 4. Lawrence Butler, RF
• 5. Zack Gelof, 3B
• 6. Donovan Walton, 2B
• 7. Carlos Cortes, LF
• 8. Brian Serven, C
• 9. Alika Williams, SS

Keys to Watch in Saturday's Game

José Ramírez Hitting Second

Ramírez slotted into the two-hole behind Kwan is a dangerous combination at the top of Cleveland's order. If Kwan gets on base — something he does at a high clip — Ramírez immediately becomes a threat to drive him in or extend the inning. Getting those two going early could set the tone for everything that follows.

Chase DeLauter Batting Third

DeLauter hitting third is a statement of confidence from Cleveland's coaching staff. The young outfielder in a middle-of-the-order role with Ramírez directly in front of him gives the Guardians real run-producing potential in the heart of the lineup.

Travis Bazzana's Development at Second Base

Bazzana batting seventh and handling second base is worth watching on both sides of the ball. His performance down the stretch matters for how Cleveland evaluates the roster heading into the offseason.

Lawrence Butler for the Athletics

Butler hitting cleanup for Oakland is the Athletic Cleveland's pitching staff should respect the most. Bibee will need to be sharp when Butler steps in, especially with Langeliers and Gelof capable of putting runners on ahead of him.

Prediction

Bibee on the mound at Progressive Field against a less experienced starter is a favorable equation for Cleveland. The Guardians' lineup, with Kwan and Ramírez at the top and DeLauter and Adell providing middle-of-the-order punch, has the personnel to generate enough offense to support their starter. Expect Cleveland to control this game from the early innings and pull out a win in front of the home crowd. Guardians 5, Athletics 2.

Catch the game on NBCSCA or stream it on Guardians.TV Presented by Progressive. Radio coverage is available on WTAM 1100 and WMMS 100.7.