Overview
- The Cleveland Guardians lead the American League Championship Series 2-1 and Game 4 is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 16 with a first pitch listed at 8:08 p.m. ET.
- Weather forecasts showed roughly a 68 percent chance of showers at first pitch and on-site reporters posted photos of steady, moderately heavy rain that could produce a delay or postponement at open-air Progressive Field.
- Cleveland announced right-hander Shawn Armstrong will serve as an opener in a planned bullpen game, a move shaped by the club’s heavy postseason pitching use and the need for flexibility if rain shortens pitchers’ outings.
- The Tampa Bay Rays named right-hander Nick Martinez as their starter, and broadcasters and reporters note that a rain delay after first pitch could end a starter’s night early and change how both clubs use their rotations and bullpens.
- If the game is delayed or postponed, MLB and the clubs could shift the schedule and travel plans, broadcasters confirmed live coverage on TBS, HBO Max, TruTV and Univision, and the outcome would affect pitcher rest and the series’ momentum.