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In a strategic move, the Cleveland Guardians have opted for a bullpen game in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series versus the Tampa Bay Rays, tapping reliever Shawn Armstrong to take the mound as the opener. The decision comes after the team utilized conventional starting pitchers in the first three games of the series.
Foster Griffin, Parker Messick, and Gavin Williams each took the ball to start in the opening trio of contests. With Cleveland ahead 2-1 in the series, many speculated that Tanner Bibee might get the nod for Friday's Game 4. However, the Guardians have instead chosen to rely on their bullpen, with Armstrong set to begin the matchup.
Paul Hoynes, a beat writer for Cleveland.com, provided a crucial caveat to the announcement. According to Hoynes, Armstrong will start Game 4 on Friday night, weather permitting, functioning as an opener. The weather factor introduces uncertainty, as poor conditions could force a postponement to Saturday. First pitch is slated for 8 PM ET on Friday, but that could shift depending on the forecast.
Key Analysis
The situation also raises questions about Bibee's role. At 27, Bibee is in the prime of his career and started Opening Day for Cleveland this year. Despite making 33 starts, he struggled with consistency, posting a 4.36 ERA. In the 2026 MLB playoffs, he has appeared in just one game, allowing two earned runs in 0.1 innings. Nonetheless, Bibee could be an option out of the bullpen on Friday or Saturday, depending on the weather.
Further updates on the Rays and Guardians Game 4 matchup will be monitored and provided as they become available.
Originally reported by yahoo.