Guardians Aim for Upset Against Rays in ALCS Opener

WHO:

MLB.com - Parker Messick was selected as the Guardians' starter for Game 2 of the ALCS against the Rays.

MLB.com - Foster Griffin was named the Game 1 starter for the Guardians against the Rays.

MLB.com - Brody Hopkins is the Rays' No. 7 prospect according to MLB Pipeline.

MLB.com - The Guardians' 26-man roster for the ALCS includes 14 position players and 12 pitchers.

MLB.com - The Guardians' roster features catchers Patrick Bailey and Austin Hedges, infielders Travis Bazzana, David Fry, Angel Genao, Nathaniel Lowe, José Ramírez, and Brayan Rocchio, outfielders Jo Adell, Chase DeLauter, Petey Halpin, Steven Kwan, and Angel Martínez, and pitchers Shawn Armstrong, Tanner Bibee, Joey Cantillo, Slade Cecconi, Daniel Espino, Matt Festa, Hunter Gaddis, Foster Griffin, Tim Herrin, Parker Messick, Erik Sabrowski, Cade Smith, and Gavin Williams.

MLB.com - Brody Hopkins was added to the Rays' ALCS roster, replacing lefty Garrett Cleavinger.

MLB.com - Manager Kevin Cash stated that the Rays will not announce the rest of their ALCS starters until the days before each game.

MLB.com - Parker Messick will start for the Guardians in Game 2 of the ALCS against the Rays.

MLB.com - Foster Griffin is the Game 1 starter for the Guardians against the Rays.

MLB.com - The Guardians added right-hander Slade Cecconi to their 26-man roster for the ALCS and dropped utility man Daniel Schneemann.

NY Post - The teams involved are the Cleveland Guardians and the Tampa Bay Rays.

Fox News - Drew Rasmussen is a key player for the Tampa Bay Rays.

WHAT:

MLB.com - Parker Messick has pitched 193 innings this season, surpassing his previous professional career high of 138 1/3 innings set in 2025.

MLB.com - Slade Cecconi had a 4.91 ERA in 121 innings over 28 games during the regular season.

MLB.com - Foster Griffin stated, "I feel like there's still a job to be done. We're not finished quite yet," reflecting on his journey this season.

MLB.com - Brody Hopkins gave up three runs on two hits and six walks while striking out seven in 5 1/3 innings over six appearances since being called up from Triple-A Durham.

MLB.com - Foster Griffin stated, "I feel like there's still a job to be done. We're not finished quite yet," reflecting on his journey this season.

MLB.com - Slade Cecconi made 21 starts in the regular season and had a 4.91 ERA in 121 innings over 28 games.

MLB.com - Foster Griffin stated, "I feel like there's still a job to be done. We're not finished quite yet," reflecting on his journey this season.

MLB.com - Parker Messick has pitched 193 innings this season, surpassing his previous professional career high of 138 1/3 innings set in 2025.

MLB.com - Freddy Peralta's fastball averaged 96.8 mph in his first postseason start for the Rays, up from his season mark of 94.3 mph.

MLB.com - Foster Griffin was named the Game 1 starter for the Guardians after discussions among team management.

MLB.com - Brody Hopkins was added to the Rays' ALCS roster, replacing lefty Garrett Cleavinger.

MLB.com - The Guardians used seven pitchers in their 9-3 win over the White Sox in the ALDS and eight pitchers in a 9-5 win in Game 4.

MLB.com - Slade Cecconi had a 4.91 ERA in 121 innings over 28 games during the regular season.

NY Post - The last time the Cleveland Guardians and Tampa Bay Rays met in the postseason was the 2022 Wild Card Round, which Cleveland won.

NY Post - The Cleveland Guardians are considered to have "sneaky value" in Game 1 of the ALCS.

Fox News - Drew Rasmussen's postseason performance is described as "dominant," giving the Rays an edge in the game against the Guardians.

WHERE:

NY Post - The event is taking place in the American League Championship Series (ALCS).

Fox News - The game is between the Guardians and the Rays.

WHEN:

MLB.com - Game 2 of the ALCS is scheduled for Tuesday night.

Fox News - The ALCS Game 1 is referenced as a significant upcoming event.

WHY:

Fox News - The Rays' strong performance in the postseason is a reason for their expected advantage in the game.

HOW:

MLB.com - Parker Messick expressed excitement about pitching at Tropicana Field, stating, "It's an awesome experience every time I get to step out there."

MLB.com - Brody Hopkins expressed excitement about being on the ALCS roster, stating, "Going from the dev list to the ALCS in two months, it's pretty crazy to think about."

MLB.com - Manager Stephen Vogt emphasized the importance of having a 13th pitcher for the Guardians due to their heavy workload in the ALDS.

MLB.com - Brody Hopkins expressed excitement about being on the ALCS roster, stating, "Going from the dev list to the ALCS in two months, it's pretty crazy to think about."

MLB.com - Griffin expressed that he feels a "huge honor" to start Game 1 of the ALCS, emphasizing the importance of the moment.

MLB.com - Manager Stephen Vogt stated that having a 13th pitcher was important for the Guardians due to their heavy workload in the ALDS.

Fox News - The article suggests that the Rays will look to "overpower" the Guardians in Game 1.

Parker Messick has been named the starter for Game 2 of the ALCS against the Rays, while Foster Griffin will take the mound for Game 1. Messick has pitched an impressive 193 innings this season, surpassing his previous career high, and he expressed his excitement about playing at Tropicana Field, calling it an awesome experience. Griffin reflected on his journey this season, stating, "I feel like there's still a job to be done. We're not finished quite yet," as the Guardians prepare for their upcoming games.