The Cleveland Guardians are looking to snap a three-game losing streak when they face the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field on Friday evening. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:40 p.m. EDT, with the White Sox holding a slim 4-3 edge in the season series so far. Chicago enters the game atop the AL Central with a 59-55 record, fueled by a strong 34-21 home performance. Cleveland, meanwhile, sits third in the division at 57-59, though they have played better on the road with a 29-28 mark. The pitching duel promises intrigue. Cleveland sends left-hander Parker Messick to the mound, who has been dominant with an 8-6 record, a 2.57 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP, and 128 strikeouts. His opponent, Chicago's Noah Schultz, has struggled to a 3-8 record and a 5.82 ERA, along with a 1.39 WHIP and 58 strikeouts. The betting line lists the Guardians as -141 favorites, with the White Sox at +120, and the over/under is set at 8.5 runs. Offensively, the White Sox rely on infielder Chase Meidroth, who has compiled 20 doubles, 11 home runs, and 44 RBI while hitting .275. Over the past 10 games, Munetaka Murakami has been a bright spot, going 9-for-41 with two doubles and two home runs. For the Guardians, outfielder Chase DeLauter leads the team with a .279 batting average, complemented by 21 doubles, a triple, 12 home runs, 45 walks, and 56 RBI. Steven Kwan has been on a tear recently, collecting 14 hits in 39 at-bats with three RBI over the last 10 contests. Both teams have hit rough patches recently. The White Sox are 4-6 in their last 10 games, posting a .209 batting average and a 4.07 ERA while being outscored by eight runs. The Guardians are even worse at 3-7, with a .234 average and a 4.25 ERA, outscored by 11 runs. Injury reports are lengthy. Chicago lists Joey Bart as day-to-day with a hand issue, while Jordan Leasure, Ky Bush, Prelander Berroa, Drew Thorpe, Tanner Murray, Brooks Baldwin, and Mike Vasil are all on the 60-day injured list. Kyle Teel is on the 10-day IL with an ankle injury. For Cleveland, Shawn Armstrong is on the 60-day IL with a leg injury. This matchup pits a struggling Guardians team desperate to reverse their slide against a White Sox squad trying to maintain their divisional lead. The outcome could hinge on whether Messick can continue his stellar season or if Schultz can find his form against a Cleveland lineup that has shown power, especially when hitting multiple home runs (18-5 record in such games). Chicago's ability to avoid giving up home runs has been key to their success, with a 26-15 record in those contests. With both teams dealing with injuries and recent slumps, Friday's game offers a critical opportunity for either side to gain momentum.