Image Source: The New York Times
Rays – Guardians ALCS Game 4 plans are being shaped by an uncertain weather forecast, creating an intriguing pitching puzzle for both teams. Tampa Bay is preparing Nick Martinez to start if Friday’s game goes ahead, while Cleveland has announced Shawn Armstrong as its opener.
The contest was scheduled for Friday night at Progressive Field, but rain threatened to disrupt the American League Championship Series schedule. The anticipated delay adds another layer of drama after the Guardians won Game 3 by a 3-2 score to take a 2-1 lead in the series.
Rays – Guardians Face Critical Weather Uncertainty
Both clubs have emphasized that they are ready to adjust. If Game 4 is postponed to Saturday, Tampa Bay could turn to ace Drew Rasmussen on normal rest. Cleveland could also benefit from a schedule change, with Foster Griffin potentially available to start after receiving additional recovery time.
“Whatever the team needs,” Martinez said Thursday morning, emphasizing his willingness to contribute in any role. The 36-year-old right-hander spent the opening three games prepared to enter from the bullpen, even though he has been expected to start Game 4 for much of the postseason planning.
Martinez’s flexibility reflects the unusual demands of October baseball. He moved between the dugout, bench and bullpen during the first three games, keeping his cleats on in case Tampa Bay needed him. The veteran has been comfortable with that uncertainty throughout his career.
Explosive Pitching Puzzle Awaits Tampa Bay
Martinez started a career-high 31 games during the regular season after settling into Tampa Bay’s rotation. However, he has also worked effectively as a reliever, giving manager Kevin Cash an important option if the weather changes the schedule or the game becomes a strategic bullpen contest.
The Rays used Rasmussen, Freddy Peralta and Griffin Jax in the first three games of the series. Their rotation members have reportedly adopted an all-hands-on-deck mentality, agreeing to pitch whenever they are needed and in whatever role best helps the club.
That approach could prove decisive. If Game 4 is played Friday, Martinez would likely handle the opening assignment. If the game moves back, Rasmussen could return on regular rest, potentially giving Tampa Bay a more traditional starting-pitcher advantage.
Guardians Prepare for a High-Stakes Bullpen Game
Cleveland’s announced plan is different. Armstrong is expected to open the game, primarily handling the top right-handed hitters in Tampa Bay’s lineup, including Yandy Díaz and Junior Caminero.
After Armstrong, the Guardians could rely on a combination of Joey Cantillo, Tanner Bibee and Slade Cecconi for bulk innings. All three spent time in Cleveland’s rotation this season, although none has made a recent start.
- Shawn Armstrong: Expected to open for Cleveland.
- Joey Cantillo: A left-handed option who has already appeared twice this postseason.
- Tanner Bibee: Available for relief work after limited October action.
- Slade Cecconi: A right-hander who recently moved into the bullpen.
Cantillo’s workload could limit how deeply he pitches. His final regular-season start came on Sept. 7, and command concerns led Cleveland to use an opener in front of him during his final rotation appearances. He threw 17 pitches in Game 1 of the ALCS.
Bibee has thrown only 15 pitches this postseason, while Cecconi made his October debut in Game 2 with one scoreless inning. Cleveland moved Cecconi to the bullpen in August after he made 21 starts.
What a Postponement Could Change
A rainout would give both teams additional time to rethink their rotations. Cleveland could use Griffin, who started Game 1 and threw 63 pitches over four innings. Tampa Bay, meanwhile, could place Rasmussen back on the mound without asking him to work on short rest.
The schedule provides some flexibility. If Friday’s game is declared unplayable, Games 4 and 5 could be held at Progressive Field on consecutive days. Sunday is currently scheduled as a travel day, but the league could use that date if necessary before the series returns to St. Petersburg.
Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said his club would be prepared for any adjustment. Gavin Williams, Cleveland’s Game 3 starter, offered a similar message after the dramatic victory: the players can control their preparation and performance, but not the weather.
For the Rays – Guardians matchup, every inning carries enormous importance. Tampa Bay wants to even the series, while Cleveland is trying to move within one victory of the World Series. The pitching plans may change, but the stakes remain firmly in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is expected to start Game 4 for Tampa Bay?
Nick Martinez is expected to start for the Rays if Game 4 is played Friday. A postponement could allow Drew Rasmussen to start on normal rest.
Who will open for Cleveland?
Right-hander Shawn Armstrong is scheduled to serve as Cleveland’s opener. Joey Cantillo, Tanner Bibee and Slade Cecconi are potential bulk-inning options.
Why is the game facing a delay?
Rain is forecast in Cleveland, creating uncertainty about whether the game can begin as scheduled at Progressive Field.
What happens if Game 4 is postponed?
The game could move to Saturday. That would give Cleveland a chance to use Foster Griffin and could allow Tampa Bay to bring back Drew Rasmussen on regular rest.
