CLEVELAND — The Chicago White Sox are preparing to utilize left-hander Anthony Kay again in a relief role for Game 2 of the American League Division Series against the Cleveland Guardians on Monday at Progressive Field.

Kay, who pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings allowing one hit and one walk in Saturday’s 3-0 Game 1 victory, will start out in relief once more, White Sox manager Will Venable said Sunday. Kay also appeared twice during the wild-card series, including earning the win in Game 2 against the Houston Astros after recording two outs in the fifth inning.

“It’s been interesting watching him in a different type of role, shorten down,” Venable commented. “You’ve seen the velo tick up. The one thing is he just hasn’t been afforded that length to get comfortable. He’s made some really big pitches, got us out of some really tough spots.” Despite limited innings, Kay has adjusted well to bullpen duties after starting 31 of 33 regular-season games.

Right-hander Sean Burke remains on standby to pitch in relief behind Kay but it has not been determined when he will enter the game. Burke, who started Game 2 of the wild-card series, surrendered three solo home runs over four innings but otherwise struck out five and did not walk a batter. He earned a 2-0 record with a 1.04 ERA and 21 strikeouts against Cleveland in the regular season.

Burke said Sunday, “Whenever my name gets called to pitch, I’ll be ready to go,” adding that he appreciates the intensity of postseason play. “This is why you play the game. This is why you grind all season to get to those moments.”

On the offensive side, the White Sox hope to replicate the approach of Tristan Peters, who drew a walk after an 18-pitch plate appearance against Guardians starter Gavin Williams on Sept. 14, fouling off multiple pitches. Williams is expected to start Monday’s game. Venable emphasized the need for patience and resilience at the plate, encouraging hitters to foul off pitches and make the opposition work through the lineup.

The team is also managing the workload of pitchers Hagen Smith and Grant Taylor, who had extended appearances in Game 1. Smith opened with 2 2/3 innings, while Taylor finished the game with four innings, striking out six and earning the save. Venable acknowledged the importance of balancing their use to avoid fatigue or injury, noting that although both pitchers are eager to contribute, the staff will approach each game with caution.

“We are taking it game by game,” Venable said. “Knowing that we have these off days, we’re comfortable with the idea of using them how we used them in Game 1, giving them the off day and being responsible about how we use them in Game 2.”

Game 2 is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. Monday, with both teams having held workouts Sunday at Progressive Field.