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ALCS Game Four discussion

The American League Championship Series shifts to a critical Game Four, where Tampa Bay’s Nick Martinez takes the mound for the Rays against Cleveland’s depleted rotation. Martinez, who posted a 2.90 ERA and 2.9 fWAR despite a subpar 11.5% strikeout-to-walk ratio and a 4.63 SIERA, enters the postseason with a 3.2-inning, two-run performance in his lone start—a series-clinching win over the Yankees.

Meanwhile, the Guardians, having already used Foster Griffin, Parker Messick, and Gavin Williams in this series, will rely entirely on their bullpen to secure the victory. Shawn Armstrong will lead the charge, with Tanner Bibee likely to follow, though manager Steven Vogt’s tendency to deploy relief pitchers early could disrupt the expected lineup.

The Rays’ bullpen will also face heavy usage, setting the stage for a potential bullpen duel in a series where starting pitchers have already logged fewer innings than in any recent postseason.

Up nextMLB· 1h ago

ALCS Game 4 postponed, moved to Saturday (8 p.m. ET); Game 5 Sunday (5 p.m. ET)