After Monday’s postponement, the American League Division Series between the New York Yankees and the Cleveland Guardians will be decided on Tuesday.
MLB announced that the play ball voice will be heard at 4:07 pm ET.
With an extra day of rest, the Yankees decided to hand the ball to left-handed starter Nestor Cortes Jr., who finished the regular season with a brilliant 2.44 ERA.
Jameson Taillon would have started on Monday if the rain hadn’t made its appearance.
The Guardians, however, are sticking to their original plan of sending righty Aaron Civale to the mound.
Shane Bieber could have been in play to start on Tuesday, but manager Terry Francona and his coaching staff decided to stick with Civale.
For both skippers, however, there is a sense that everyone is available if needed.
“Perhaps obviously, this game will almost certainly be less about who starts it than who finishes it. Feels like pretty much anyone is on the table,” MLB insider Chelsea Janes tweeted.
Perhaps obviously, this game will almost certainly be less about who starts it than who finishes it. Feels like pretty much anyone is on the table. https://t.co/2tI8DvxyPp
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) October 18, 2022
Neither Starter Should Go Too Long
She’s right: the starters are not expected to finish the game.
In fact, you could make an argument that neither Civale nor Cortes will last long.
Cortes is pitching on short rest and is not expected to be on a regular pitch count near 100 pitches; and Civale should have a short leash if he struggles given the Guards’ excellent (and well-rested) bullpen.
Francona didn’t want to start Bieber, but that doesn’t mean he won’t pitch if he needs someone when the game is on the line.
Even Taillon could make an appearance for the Yankees.
The extra day of rest was good for both squads because it gives them options, but complicates things for the winner because the Championship Series would start on Wednesday.
NEXT: The Guardians Are Seeking To End A Frustrating Streak In Game 5