The Cleveland Guaridans need to figure out a starter for Game 3 of the ALDS.
The Cleveland Guaridans are still waiting to see who they’ll match up with in the American League Division Series, with their potential opponents being the Chicago White Sox or the Houston Astros.
The Guardians have already started their preparations, especially on the pitching side of things. Some of the decisions Cleveland must make will be easy, but others won't be.
One of the team’s toughest choices will come down to who ends up being the third starter in their playoff rotation.
The starters for Game 1 and Game 2 of the ALDS are easy. Choose one of Gavin Williams or Parker Messick to pitch on Saturday, and the other will take the mound on Sunday. Each pitcher has a case to kick off the postseason, but the Guardians can’t go wrong either way.
Cleveland is in a good spot with the series schedule, too. Williams and Messick will be lined up to pitch on regular rest if the Guardians do go to Game 4 or Game 5 against whoever they play.
That leaves Cleveland to determine a pitcher for Game 3. The Guardians have plenty of options, which might make it harder to narrow the choice down.
Aug 2, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Gavin Williams (32) celebrates after center fielder Petey Halpin (not pictured) caught a fly ball hit by Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo (not pictured) during the fourth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn ImagesPerhaps the most obvious choice would be to hand the ball to Tanner Bibee, who has a 3.10 ERA in five career playoff starts. However, Bibee has been inconsistent at best this season. His best month was June, when he posted a 1.89 ERA, but he finished September with a 7.36 ERA.
Another option is for Cleveland to turn to its trade deadline acquisition, Foster Griffin, who would make his first career playoff appearance after needing to re-establish himself and pitch overseas for a year before turning to the big leagues.
It’d be a great story, but does Griffin give the Guardians the best chance to win? Griffin has a 5.19 ERA in nine starts since joining Cleveland.
Another option is to use an opener, such as Daniel Espino, and a bullpen arm, such as Joey Cantillo, to cover the bulk innings. This duo has been lights-out in their three games, but do the Guardians believe it's a strategy that could work in the playoffs?
There’s a chance that this dilemma works itself out.
For example, if the Guardians need to use Cantillo, Espino, or even someone such as Slade Cecconi in one of the first two games, it’s hard to envision any of them getting the bulk innings on Wednesday.
In any of those cases, Bibee or Griffin would likely be Cleveland’s Game 3 starter.
With how Stephen Vogt and the rest of the organization operate, they likely have several contingency plans in place. However, choosing which strategy to go with is still easier said than done.
