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Guardians Should Pull the Don Mattingly Move… But Do it Better

Following the strategic decisions made during the recent National League Wildcard game between the Atlanta Braves and the opposing side, observers are debating the deployment of elite closers early in postseason contests. Manager Don Mattingly brought relief pitcher Jhoan Duran into the matchup in the bottom of the seventh frame holding a narrow three to two advantage, tasking him with navigating the heart of the opponent's batting order through two frames before a late home run shifted the momentum.

As the Cleveland Guardians prepare for their upcoming American League Division Series opener at Progressive Field, analysts suggest manager Stephen Vogt could adopt a similar aggressive relief strategy with pitcher Cade Smith. Utilizing top relief arms against the most dangerous hitters during critical late-game situations mirrors the tactical approach observed in the previous series, potentially giving the team an advantage during the postseason.

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