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Cleveland Guardians fans will have to wait a little longer for the next chapter of the American League Championship Series. Game 4 against the Tampa Bay Rays has been delayed because of expected rain in the Cleveland area, with the matchup now scheduled for Saturday at 8 p.m. ET at Progressive Field.
The Guardians hold a 2-1 series advantage after Thursday’s tense 3-2 victory. Cleveland, which entered the ALCS as the underdog, now has an opportunity to move within one win of the World Series. Tampa Bay, meanwhile, is fighting to regain momentum before the series shifts back to Tropicana Field.
Breaking Update: Cleveland Guardians Face Critical Weather Delay
Weather has already influenced the series schedule. Game 3 was moved from its original 6 p.m. ET start to 1 p.m. because of rain concerns, and more precipitation forced Major League Baseball to delay Game 4.
The game will be televised on TBS and HBO Max, while Spanish-language coverage will be available on UniMas. Spanish-language radio broadcasts will also air on Univision’s TUDN Radio.
The delay gives both teams additional time to rest their pitching staffs. That could be especially important for Cleveland, which planned to use a bullpen game, and Tampa Bay, which is relying on Nick Martinez to deliver a strong start.
Pitching Plans Could Define the Next Showdown
Guardians Turn to Shawn Armstrong
Cleveland will open Game 4 with right-hander Shawn Armstrong. He has allowed just one hit across 5 1/3 scoreless innings in four postseason appearances, giving manager Stephen Vogt a reliable option to begin the game.
Joey Cantillo is expected to handle the bulk innings behind Armstrong. Cleveland could also use Tanner Bibee and Slade Cecconi as it pieces together all 27 outs. Daniel Espino remains another important option after pitching a scoreless inning in Game 3.
The extra rest should give Cleveland more flexibility, but a bullpen game still carries risk. The Guardians will need efficient work from their relievers to prevent Tampa Bay’s lineup from creating an early advantage.
Nick Martinez Brings Strong Rays History
The Rays will counter with right-hander Nick Martinez, who has been particularly effective against Cleveland. During the regular season, Martinez threw 13 scoreless innings in two starts against the Guardians, including seven shutout innings at Progressive Field in April.
Tampa Bay will hope that success carries into October. The Rays are scheduled to bring Drew Rasmussen back for Game 5 on normal rest, with Freddy Peralta potentially lined up for Game 6 if the series returns to Tampa Bay.
Powerful Lineups Set for a Tight ALCS Battle
The Guardians are expected to keep the same lineup that helped them win Game 3. Petey Halpin remains in center field after delivering the decisive two-run homer, while Steven Kwan and José Ramírez lead the order.
- Steven Kwan, left field
- José Ramírez, third base
- Chase DeLauter, right field
- Jo Adell, designated hitter
- Nathaniel Lowe, first base
- Travis Bazzana, second base
- Patrick Bailey, catcher
- Petey Halpin, center field
- Brayan Rocchio, shortstop
Tampa Bay moved Chandler Simpson into the No. 3 spot after his two-run triple in Game 3. The speedy left fielder has been one of the Rays’ most productive players recently, but the top of the lineup needs more from Yandy Díaz, Jonathan Aranda and Junior Caminero.
Caminero went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts in Game 3. His ability to adjust against Cleveland’s pitching could be central to Tampa Bay’s chances of tying the series.
Momentum, Defense and Small Details Matter
This ALCS has been defined by elite pitching, aggressive baserunning and airtight defense rather than offensive fireworks. Cleveland’s Gavin Williams became the first pitcher in franchise history to record at least nine strikeouts in three consecutive postseason starts.
Cade Smith has also been outstanding, posting a 1.00 postseason ERA with 13 strikeouts over nine innings. For Tampa Bay, Simpson has emerged as a spark plug, while catcher Liam Hicks made history by throwing out two Guardians attempting to steal in Game 3.
The Guardians are now one win from taking a commanding 3-1 series lead. The Rays must find offense quickly, particularly from their biggest hitters, or they could face elimination pressure in Game 5.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Cleveland Guardians ALCS Game 4?
Game 4 is scheduled for Saturday at 8 p.m. ET at Progressive Field after Friday’s game was delayed by rain.
What is the current ALCS score?
The Guardians lead the Rays, two games to one, after Cleveland won Game 3 by a 3-2 score.
Who will start for Cleveland?
Shawn Armstrong is expected to open for Cleveland in a bullpen game, with Joey Cantillo among the likely bulk-inning options.
Who is Tampa Bay’s starting pitcher?
Nick Martinez is scheduled to start for Tampa Bay. He threw 13 scoreless innings against Cleveland during the regular season.
How can fans watch the game?
The game will be broadcast nationally on TBS and HBO Max. Spanish-language coverage is scheduled for UniMas.
