Guardians Reveal Starter For Game 4 of ALCS vs Rays

The Cleveland Guardians grabbed a big 2-1 series lead over the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Championship Series.

Now, the team will be looking to take a commanding 3-1 series lead in Game 4 in front of their home fans. Cleveland has two more games played at home, offering them a chance to clinch the series at Progressive Field.

But ahead of the game, there were questions about who would be the starter for Cleveland. And now that question has been answered by the team.

Veteran right-hander Shawn Armstrong will take the mound for the Guardians in Game 4 of the series. The 36 year old has never started a game in the playoffs, only making 18 starts over his entire career.

Armstrong is mainly a relief pitcher, but the Guardians are trusting him with this highly crucial spot. The right-hander will be tasked with shutting down a tough Rays lineup early on in the game.

For the regular season, Armstrong recorded a 4.58 ERA over 41 appearances. The right-hander stuck out 34 batters over 35.1 innings this year.

In six career appearances in the playoffs, throwing 7.2 innings overall, Armstrong has not allowed a run. The right-hander has struck out nine batters during his limited time on a postseason mound.

Tanner Bibee or Joey Cantillo will likely get the bulk of innings following Armstrong as the team's opener. Cleveland is using a full committee to get the job done in the playoffs past its top few arms in the rotation.

Going against the righty will be Rays starter Nick Martinez, who posted a 3.10 ERA over 31 starts this year. Martinez has only made one appearance in the playoffs this year, putting up a 4.91 ERA over 3.2 innings.

The right-hander allowed two runs on five hits over the 3.2 innings against the New York Yankees in the ALDS. Martinez 

Both teams understand the stakes of this game, with the Guardians looking to take the commanding lead in the series, while Tampa Bay wants to get back into everything. The advantage goes to Cleveland as of now, with the game being played at home.

The Guardians took home-field advantage away from the Rays with their Game 1 win, and this team has no plans to give it back. Cleveland has been playing very well of late, winning five of their last six games overall.

First pitch for Game 4 of the ALCS is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. PT/8:00 p.m. ET from Progressive Field in Cleveland.