CLEVELAND -- It’s been six years since the White Sox have played a series in September with first place in the American League Central division on the line.

Having that opportunity against the two-time defending division champion Guardians isn’t something general manager Chris Getz is taking for granted.

“Needless to say, we’ve come a long way,” Getz said Monday in the visitors' dugout at Progressive Field. “Flying in was a lot different from a lot of other trips I’ve had coming in here.

“As a whole, we felt like we’ve been playing with house money. What an opportunity for these guys to go out and compete with the Guardians.”

• White Sox-Guardians series could clarify AL Central race

After winning 60 games last season, 41 in 2024 and 61 in 2023, Chicago brought a 76-73 record into the three-game series opener in Cleveland.

The White Sox had lost 10 of their last 14, allowing the Guardians to pull within one-half game -- the closest they’ve been since July 21 -- after being six out less than a month ago.

“I know we’re kind of going through it right now and the stakes are high,” Getz said. “Obviously, there is a pressure component to all of these games, but we’re in first place and we’re having a series this important this late in the season.”

Chicago made a relatively important trade one day before the Deadline, acquiring veteran starter Luis Castillo from Seattle in exchange for three players and cash. It hasn’t turned out how either party hoped it would.

The right-hander has made seven appearances (six starts), for the White Sox and has a 1-2 record and a 7.76 ERA. Castillo’s last three outings have seen him give up 13 earned runs over 10 2/3 innings.

“The quality of pitches have definitely gone in the wrong direction,” Getz admitted. “We’ve got to solve it. We do. We’re continuing to look at some of the trends and the changes that have happened [since he left the Mariners]. It has been surprising.”

Most of the conversation centered on the task at hand, but Getz did address the recent resignation of amateur scouting director Mike Shirley. He said an interim replacement will not be named, alluding to a potential restructuring of the entire department.

Chicago’s front office has moved in a positive direction since Getz took over as senior vice president and GM late in the 2023 season.

The former MLB infielder sees this as another opportunity to look at “not just the amateur scouting, but with the entire player evaluation process. We’re looking at a lot of different things.”

“We’re going to map out where we see the future is on the scouting front in all areas,” Getz continued. “Once that’s mapped out, we’ll figure out what the needs are for the organization. If that means that you’re going outside of the organization, so be it.”