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ALCS rotation matchup: Taxed Guardians vs. well-rested Rays

The Cleveland Guardians enter the AL Championship Series facing a critical rotation challenge after a grueling five-game playoff stretch against the White Sox. With only three starters used in the ALDS—Daniel Espino, Parker Messick, and Gavin Williams—they must now deploy at least four pitchers in the ALCS, starting with Monday’s opener at Tropicana Field.

Griffin, who last started on September 23, will make his first postseason appearance since a strong outing against Boston, though his recent struggles (5.19 ERA in nine starts) contrast with his All-Star form earlier this season. The Guardians’ bullpen, already taxed in the ALDS, will rely on Griffin to provide much-needed innings, while Messick—despite logging 193 innings this year—could return as early as Game 2 if he feels sharp.

Meanwhile, Williams, who set a franchise postseason strikeout record in Game 5 of the ALDS, will aim to capitalize on his extra rest before a potential Thursday start back in Cleveland. The Rays, meanwhile, enter the series fully rested, setting up a clear contrast in pitch depth as the Guardians scramble to balance workload and performance in a high-stakes best-of-seven showdown.

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