Game 2 of the AL Division Series between the New York Yankees and the Cleveland Guardians, which was scheduled for Thursday night, was postponed by MLB and will be played on Friday.
The play ball voice is scheduled for 1:07 p.m. ET.
Forecast of inclement weather all day was behind MLB’s decision not to play today.
The forecast is much better for tomorrow.
The rainout, however, affects both team’s pitching plans in a way that could heavily impact the series.
The Guardians won’t be able to throw Shane Bieber out there in Game 5 on short rest anymore, since he will be used tomorrow.
“This rainout low key screws the #Guardians since it prevents Bieber from coming back on short rest for a possible Game 5,” MLB analyst Matt Williams tweeted.
This rainout low key screws the #Guardians since it prevents Bieber from coming back on short rest for a possible Game 5. https://t.co/SgEWVPyRBR
— Matt Williams (@MattWi77iams) October 13, 2022
How The Rainout Affects Both Teams
Had the game been played today, he could have been an option for a hypothetical Game 5 on Monday on three days rest.
That’s not the case anymore: no manager will send a pitcher on two days rest in the Division Series.
Now, the Guardians will have to find someone else to pitch on that potential game: Aaron Civale and Zach Plesac are options, but they could also go with a bullpen day.
As for the Yankees, it’s a similar scenario, but perhaps a bit worse since their bullpen is not as deep and strong as the Guardians.
“So let’s say this series goes to Game 5 on Monday… The #Yankees would be starting Jameson Taillon or Domingo Germán with their season on the line, their banged-up bullpen would be preparing for their fourth game in a row and New York would have one day off before the ALCS,” SI.com’s Max Goodman tweeted.
So let's say this series goes to Game 5 on Monday…
The #Yankees would be starting Jameson Taillon or Domingo Germán with their season on the line, their banged-up bullpen would be preparing for their fourth game in a row and New York would have one day off before the ALCS.
— Max Goodman (@MaxTGoodman) October 13, 2022
It’s hard to think about a more problematic, inconvenient rainout in recent history.
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