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Messick struggles with command as Game 5 becomes shortest start of career

Parker Messick’s postseason run hit a rough patch in Game 5 of the ALCS, as the Cleveland Guardians’ rookie left-hander delivered his shortest career start in both the regular season and playoffs. Messick lasted just two innings, surrendering two runs on five hits and two walks, while striking out three batters.

His 57 pitches—34 of them strikes—marked the second-highest total he’s thrown in two innings across his career, trailing only a September 2025 outing against Boston. The early struggles included a leadoff double by Tampa Bay’s Yandy Díaz, a walk to Ryan Vilade, and a sharp two-out single by Chandler Simpson, whose 31.2-foot-per-second sprint beat shortstop Brayan Rocchio’s throw at first.

Simpson’s hit loaded the bases, and Messick’s next pitch—a five-ball walk to Jonny DeLuca—opened the scoring for the Rays.

Messick’s workload has surged this year, with his combined regular-season and postseason innings totaling exactly 200—a sharp rise from his previous career high of 138⅓ innings in 2025. In four postseason starts, he’s allowed at least two walks in each appearance, including three unearned runs in Game 2 of this series.

Guardians manager Stephen Vogt acknowledged the toll, noting the demands of Messick’s rookie season while praising his resilience. Though his command has dipped slightly, Messick remains a key figure in Cleveland’s deep playoff run, even as fatigue looms as a growing factor.

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