Overview
- The Rays and Guardians announced their ALCS rosters on Monday and confirmed Game 1 starters with Tampa Bay sending out Drew Rasmussen and Cleveland starting Foster Griffin.
- Cleveland replaced utilityman Daniel Schneemann with right‑hander Slade Cecconi to add multi‑inning relief after a heavily used pitching staff in the ALDS.
- Tampa Bay removed lefty Garrett Cleavinger, who did not pitch in the ALDS after late‑season forearm issues, and added hard‑throwing righty Brody Hopkins as a high‑velocity bullpen option with known command concerns.
- Rasmussen arrives off a dominant ALDS outing and remains the Rays’ rotation anchor, while Griffin’s move to start reflects his recent strong relief work and the Guardians’ decision to shift him from a rotation/relief role.
- Both clubs shifted roster balance toward pitchers for the best‑of‑seven format, a choice that gives Cleveland longer relief options and leaves the Rays betting on Hopkins’ upside to bolster late‑inning matchups.