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What does Messick's abbreviated start mean for Guards' G5 pitching plan?

The Cleveland Guardians' path to the American League Championship Series took an unexpected turn after Parker Messick's early exit in Game 4 of their AL Division Series matchup against the Chicago White Sox. Messick, who had struck out five of his first ten batters in 4 1/3 innings, was pulled after issuing four walks—tying his career high—and leaving the bases loaded with one out in the third inning.

The Guardians' offense rallied with a six-run sixth inning to secure a 9-5 victory, but the win came at a cost, forcing the team to rely on seven relievers, including All-Star closer Cade Smith, who faced his first real challenge of the series after inheriting a five-run lead in the eighth inning. Smith allowed a leadoff homer and a walk before being replaced by Gavin Williams, who made his first professional relief appearance and closed out the game with three outs.

The Guardians now face a critical challenge: how to manage Williams' workload before his planned start in Game 5, just 48 hours away, after he threw 18 pitches in high-leverage situations late in Thursday's game.

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