Terry Francona made a surprising decision on Tuesday morning when he announced that he would be sticking with right-hander Aaron Civale to start Game 5 of the ALDS for the Cleveland Guardians.
This was surprising to many, as Shane Bieber is available on short rest and could have been called upon to start the game and ensure that the Guardians have the advantage over the New York Yankees.
Instead, Francona is sticking with Civale.
When asked about the plan for Bieber in Game 5, Francona said that he would be available in the bullpen if needed, but that he was not planning to use him as a weapon at any point, but rather, have him ready if the Guardians need to empty the bullpen.
Francona said Bieber will be in the bullpen in case they empty it but “we are not sending him out there as a weapon.” Would pitch Game 1 if they win.
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) October 18, 2022
Bieber Available For Game 5
At the very least, Bieber is available to pitch in Game 5 if needed, but it is interesting as to why Francona is trying to save him for the ALCS.
What matters right now is getting to the ALCS, and starting Bieber might have been Francona’s best bet.
It’s understandable to want to have him fresh, but the Guardians find themselves in dire straits after losing Game 4 at home and falling into a 2-2 ALDS tie.
Had Game 2 of the series not been postponed, then the Guardians could have easily had him scheduled to go on short rest for Game 5.
Obviously, thanks to the Game 5 rainout, he would have ended up being on full rest for that game.
But one would assume that Francona and the Guardians would be doing everything in their power to try and eliminate the Yankees and move on to the ALCS.
It is an all hands on deck situation for Game 5 after all.
NEXT: The Yankees And Guardians Each Benefitted From Rainouts