(Photo credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images)

Even though the Cleveland Guardians' roster is loaded with young players, manager Stephen Vogt said he sees a confident, hard-working club leading the American League Central.

'This group of guys believe we are going to win day-in and day-out,' Vogt said. 'They show up to work to accomplish that.'

The Guardians will have chance Sunday afternoon to extend their two-game lead in the Central when they try to claim the rubber match of their three-game series against the Texas Rangers in Arlington, Texas.

Vogt said the Guardians' youngsters have settled into their roles while Cleveland's pitching staff has remained a strength. The Guardians are third in the American League in ERA at 3.72.

'We have some young, exciting players in Chase (DeLauter), Travis (Bazzana), Angel Martinez and (Brayan) Rocchio,' Vogt said. 'We have a lot of good players, and our pitching has been outstanding.'

While the players Vogt mentioned are all 25 or younger, Cleveland will turn to 26-year-old Joey Cantillo (4-2, 3.92 ERA) in the series finale.

The left-hander will look to follow Tanner Bibee's dominant performance in Cleveland's 6-0 win over Texas on Saturday. Bibee held the Rangers to three hits, walked two and struck out three in eight shutout innings. The Rangers won the series opener 3-2 on Friday.

Cantillo received a no-decision in a 9-4 win at the New York Yankees on Tuesday. He allowed four runs on six hits with three walks and four strikeouts in four innings.

In his only career appearance against the Rangers, Cantillo didn't factor into the decision and gave up two runs on three hits and struck out eight in 5 2/3 innings on Sept. 27, 2025.

While youth is being served in Cleveland, the Rangers will turn to two-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom (4-4, 3.48 ERA) as they search for a series win.

The 37-year-old right-hander is still a force, racking up 78 strikeouts in 64 2/3 innings. In his most recent outing, a 2-1 road win against the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday, deGrom earned his 100th career victory as he tossed five shutout innings, gave up four hits, walked one and struck out eight.

The 13-year veteran will make his first career appearance against the Guardians and said he has simplified his approach.

'We're going back like how I used to pitch,' deGrom said. 'There's the target. Once the ball leaves my hand, it's out of my control.'

Texas catcher Danny Jansen, who was placed on the 10-day injured list on Saturday with a right forearm strain retroactive to Wednesday, has relished the chance to work with deGrom.

'He's a legendary guy,' Jansen said. 'Outstanding human as well and a hard worker. The guy cares, he's super talented, and it's a lot of fun to be able to work with him. It's a really cool thing.'

Texas signed Elias Diaz for depth at catcher. The 35-year-old was designated for assignment on May 22 by the Kansas City Royals. In 2023, Diaz was a National League All-Star with the Colorado Rockies.

Texas manager Skip Schumaker said he expects Diaz to play 'at some point in this series.' And Schumaker hopes Jansen won't be out for an extended period.

'Any time you're dealing with an arm, it's always tricky,' Schumaker said of Jansen's injury. 'Hopefully, we got it caught in time, and can manage it where it's not that long of an IL stint.'

--Field Level Media