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What time is the Guardians game today? Cleveland is scheduled to face the Tampa Bay Rays in American League Championship Series Game 4 at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, October 16, 2026. The game is expected to be played at Progressive Field, but persistent rain in Cleveland could force Major League Baseball and both teams to adjust the schedule.
The weather uncertainty comes after Game 3 was moved to an earlier 1 p.m. start on Thursday to avoid unfavorable conditions. Cleveland responded with a dramatic 3-2 victory, taking an important step in the ALCS. Now, the clubs must prepare for multiple possibilities surrounding Friday night’s matchup.
What Time Is the Guardians Game Today?
The current first pitch is set for 8 p.m. ET, with the game scheduled to air nationally on TBS, truTV, UniMás and HBO Max. However, the forecast calls for rain throughout much of Friday, meaning the listed start time could change if conditions at Progressive Field are deemed unplayable.
- Game: ALCS Game 4
- Teams: Cleveland Guardians vs. Tampa Bay Rays
- Scheduled first pitch: 8 p.m. ET
- Date: Friday, October 16, 2026
- Location: Progressive Field, Cleveland
- Weather concern: Persistent rain throughout Friday
Fans planning to attend should monitor official team and MLB updates before heading to the ballpark. A rain delay could push the start later Friday, while a postponement would create a different pitching setup for both teams.
Powerful Pitching Adjustments Could Define Game 4
If Game 4 is played as scheduled, Nick Martinez is expected to start for Tampa Bay. The 36-year-old right-hander made a career-high 31 starts during the regular season and has embraced a flexible role throughout the postseason.
Martinez was available in the Rays’ bullpen during the first three games of the ALCS, keeping his cleats on and staying ready in case Tampa Bay needed him. He said the team’s approach is simple: contribute in whatever role is required.
That flexibility could become especially important if Friday’s game is delayed or shortened by weather. If the contest moves to Saturday, Tampa Bay could turn to ace Drew Rasmussen on normal rest. Rasmussen started Game 1 of the ALCS, while Freddy Peralta and Griffin Jax handled the next two games.
“Whatever the team needs, I’m up for it,” Martinez said, according to MLB.com.
Guardians’ Game 4 Plan Remains Unsettled
Cleveland’s pitching plan is less certain. If Game 4 begins Friday night, the Guardians could use a bullpen game featuring left-hander Joey Cantillo and right-handers Tanner Bibee and Slade Cecconi.
All three pitchers spent time in Cleveland’s rotation this season, but none has made a recent start. Cantillo last started during the regular season on September 7 and has appeared twice in the postseason. He threw 17 pitches in Game 1 of the ALCS on Monday, making a lengthy outing on short rest questionable.
Bibee has pitched only one-third of an inning this postseason, while Cecconi recorded one scoreless inning in Game 2. Their availability could be crucial if Cleveland needs to cover several innings without a traditional starter.
If the game is postponed until Saturday, Foster Griffin could receive the assignment on normal rest. Griffin started Game 1 and threw 63 pitches over four innings, allowing two runs.
Why the Schedule Matters for Cleveland
The Guardians enter Game 4 with momentum after their 3-2 win in Game 3. A victory Friday would put Cleveland in a strong position in the ALCS, while a weather-related delay could give both clubs extra time to reorganize their rotations and bullpens.
The schedule technically allows the teams to play Games 4 and 5 at Progressive Field on consecutive days if Friday’s contest is postponed. Sunday was originally planned as a travel day before a possible Game 6 in St. Petersburg, but MLB could use that day for Game 5 if necessary.
Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said Cleveland is prepared for whatever arrangement becomes necessary. “Our guys stay ready,” Vogt said after Game 3.
For fans searching for what time is the Guardians game today, the answer remains 8 p.m. ET on Friday. Still, the rain forecast means that time is not guaranteed. Cleveland supporters should check for the latest update before making travel plans or settling in to watch the ALCS.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is the Guardians game today?
The Guardians are scheduled to play ALCS Game 4 at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, October 16, 2026.
Who are the Guardians playing?
Cleveland is facing the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Championship Series.
Where will the game be played?
Game 4 is scheduled for Progressive Field in Cleveland.
Could rain delay or postpone the game?
Yes. Persistent rain is forecast for Friday, so the start time could be pushed back or the game could be moved to Saturday.
Who is expected to pitch for Cleveland?
Cleveland could use a bullpen game involving Joey Cantillo, Tanner Bibee and Slade Cecconi. Foster Griffin could start if the game moves to Saturday.
