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Messick, once a fan at The Trop, will take the hill there as Guardians' ALCS Game 2 starter

Parker Messick, a Florida native who grew up attending Rays games at Tropicana Field, will make his postseason debut as the starting pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians in Game 2 of the ALCS against his hometown team. The 2022 second-round draft pick from Florida State will take the mound on Tuesday, marking a poignant return to the ballpark where he once watched as a child, including the Rays’ 2008 World Series victory over the Phillies.

Messick, who has pitched well against Tampa Bay this season—allowing just one run in both meetings—will look to build on his strong rookie campaign, which saw him pitch a career-high 193 innings across the regular season and playoffs. His most recent start, Game 4 of the ALDS against the White Sox, saw him throw 65 pitches over 2⅓ innings, though he left with two runs allowed.

Despite the high stakes, Messick remains focused, having handled prior matchups against the Rays with composure and support from family and friends, including a watch party planned in his hometown of Plant City.

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