The Cleveland Guardians open the doors at Progressive Field on Thursday, August 20 for a 1:10 PM ET afternoon matchup against the San Francisco Giants. Gavin Williams gets the ball for Cleveland, squaring off against Giants right-hander Landen Roupp in what shapes up as an intriguing interleague contest with regular season standings implications for both clubs. Fans can catch the action on Guardians.TV Presented by Progressive or listen on WTAM 1100 and the Guardians Radio Network.

Probable Pitchers: Gavin Williams vs. Landen Roupp

Williams is the story on the mound for Cleveland. The big right-hander has shown flashes of front-of-the-rotation potential since coming up through the Guardians system, and Progressive Field's afternoon slate gives him a chance to build on that. His fastball-slider combination has the stuff to keep a Giants lineup off-balance, and home starts are where Cleveland needs him to deliver.

Roupp is a name Giants fans have watched develop in San Francisco's rotation. He brings a competitive arm to Cleveland, and the Guardians' lineup will need to do its homework against a pitcher working to establish himself at the big-league level. Neither pitcher's current ERA or win-loss record is available heading into this one, so the scouting report matters more than the numbers today.

Cleveland Guardians Lineup

• 1. Steven Kwan, LF
• 2. Travis Bazzana, DH
• 3. José Ramírez, 3B
• 4. Nathaniel Lowe, 1B
• 5. Angel Genao, 2B
• 6. Angel Martínez, RF
• 7. Patrick Bailey, C
• 8. Petey Halpin, CF
• 9. Brayan Rocchio, SS

Keys to Watch

José Ramírez Hitting in the Heart of the Order

With Ramírez slotted third, the Guardians have their most dangerous bat positioned to do damage. Kwan and Bazzana setting the table ahead of him is exactly the blueprint Cleveland wants — get runners on and let Ramírez drive them in. Any game in which Ramírez sees good pitches with men aboard is a game Cleveland can win.

Bazzana and Kwan at the Top

The one-two punch of Kwan leading off and Bazzana hitting second gives Cleveland a patient, high-contact top of the order. Roupp will need to establish his stuff early or risk facing a loaded lineup before he settles in.

Williams Controlling the Game

The afternoon start at Progressive Field means Williams gets to work in familiar surroundings with a home crowd behind him. His ability to work deep into the game and keep San Francisco's lineup from finding a rhythm will be the single biggest factor in whether Cleveland wins this one.

Depth and Versatility in the Bottom Third

Angel Genao at second, Angel Martínez in right, Patrick Bailey behind the plate, Petey Halpin in center, and Brayan Rocchio at short give Cleveland a defensively capable bottom of the order. If any of them contributes offensively, it takes pressure off the top.

Prediction

This is a game Cleveland should win at home with Williams on the mound. The Guardians' lineup is constructed to grind pitchers down, and Roupp is unproven enough in this setting that Cleveland's patient approach at the plate should pay off. Look for the Guardians to get Williams early run support and hold on behind a quality start. Guardians 4, Giants 2.