MLB2d ago
Armstrong to Start Game 4 for Guardians Against Rays
Cleveland holds a 2-1 series lead entering the matchup with rain in the forecast.
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Pitching Plans for Friday
Shawn Armstrong will serve as the opener for Cleveland while Tampa Bay turns to Nick Martinez on the mound for Game 4 of the AL Championship Series. The contest is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET. Rain is expected in Cleveland for most of the day, though a window between 8 and 11 p.m. ET may allow the game to proceed without delay. The start time was adjusted after the Milwaukee Brewers completed a sweep in the NL Championship Series.
Series Situation
The Guardians lead the best-of-seven series 2-1 following a 3-2 victory in Game 3. Petey Halpin hit a two-run homer that proved decisive in that contest. An ALCS game has not been postponed since 2019, when the New York Yankees hosted the Houston Astros.
Pitcher Backgrounds
Armstrong is making his fifth appearance of the postseason in a bullpen game for Cleveland. He has surrendered one hit across 5 1/3 innings while recording five strikeouts. The right-hander dealt with a calf strain in late July before returning during the final week of the regular season. He was selected by Cleveland in the 18th round in 2011 and reached the majors four years later. After a 2017 trade to Seattle, he spent time with four other organizations, including Tampa Bay, before rejoining Cleveland. Martinez opened Game 3 of the AL Division Series against the New York Yankees, working 3 2/3 innings and allowing two runs on five hits with one walk and three strikeouts. He finished the regular season with a 15-6 record and posted a 3.10 ERA that ranked sixth in the AL. He also placed third in the league with 26 starts in which he permitted three runs or fewer.
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