MLB Reveals Major Change to Guardians-Rays ALCS Game 3 Start Time

The Cleveland Guardians and Tampa Bay Rays will be heading back to Progressive Field for Game 3 of the American League Championship Series on Thursday.

But the start time for the contest has been changed due to inclement weather in the Cleveland area. The game was originally scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. ET, but it will now be played at 1 p.m. ET.

The change was made for the ALCS to remain on schedule with no delays due to weather. Game 3 will take place on TBS and other TNT Sports platforms as planned, with just the time changing.

Through the first two games of the series, both teams have been able to get some punches in. Cleveland opened Game 1 with a hot start at the plate, taking advantage of some shaky pitching from the Rays.

But in Game 2, the Rays were able to get back on track, shutting down the Cleveland bats in the process. With the series tied 1-1 heading into this crucial Game 3, both sides understand how important this contest is.

Cleveland did its job by stealing back home-field advantage in this series, with the next three games coming at home. The Guardians know that the rest of this matchup will be a challenge, but the team does have a chance to clinch the series in front of their fans.

The Guardians have not announced who will be taking the mound in Game 3 yet, but the Rays will be sending out right-hander Griffin Jax. Cleveland will likely send out right-hander Gavin Williams, who last pitched in Game 5 against the Chicago White Sox.

If Williams does go in this game, the Guardians would have the edge in the starters. Williams has been electric this postseason for Cleveland, posting a 1.54 ERA over three appearances (two starts).

The right-hander has struck out 24 batters over 11.2 innings of work, continuing his hot start from the regular season. Williams gives this Guardians team a legitimate chance to take the series lead in Game 3, but the Rays were the best team in the AL for a reason.

Both sides are looking for different advantages at this point, giving each a chance to get to the World Series. Cleveland hasn't made the World Series since 2016, while the Rays last made it in 2020.

Game 3's winner will take a major advantage in the best-of-seven series, with each team trying to take over. Baseball wanted to keep the series on track, and even with weather coming into Cleveland, it seems that the plan is set for good.