CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Guardians have settled on their starting pitcher for Friday night's American League Championship Series matchup against Tampa Bay, although Shawn Armstrong probably won't be on the mound for very long.
Manager Stephen Vogt has named Armstrong the opener for Game 4, with Cleveland planning to use several pitchers in hopes of taking a commanding 3-1 series lead over the Rays.
Armstrong has been outstanding this postseason, allowing just one hit and no runs in 5? innings across four appearances. The right-hander has struck out five without issuing a walk, giving Vogt a reliable option to begin a game that could put Cleveland within one victory of the World Series.
The decision also gives the Guardians some flexibility in how they use their traditional starters. Left-hander Joey Cantillo and right-handers Tanner Bibee and Slade Cecconi are among the options to handle multiple innings, although Vogt has not announced who will follow Armstrong.
Cantillo threw just 17 pitches over one scoreless inning in Cleveland's Game 1 victory Monday. Bibee has yet to appear in the series, while Cecconi also gives Vogt another pitcher capable of working several innings.
Armstrong's assignment will begin against the top of a Tampa Bay lineup featuring Yandy Díaz and Junior Caminero, two of the Rays' most dangerous right-handed hitters.
The 36-year-old veteran has also enjoyed something of a homecoming this season. Cleveland originally selected Armstrong in the 18th round of the 2011 MLB Draft, and he made his major league debut with the organization in 2015 before spending time with several other clubs, including Tampa Bay.
His return nearly ended prematurely when a significant calf injury sidelined him in July. Armstrong spent nearly two months recovering before returning to Cleveland on September 23, just in time to contribute to the Guardians' postseason run.
Tampa Bay will counter with Nick Martinez, who finished the regular season 15-6 with a 3.10 ERA. Unlike Cleveland, the Rays are expected to rely on their starter to work several innings before turning to the bullpen.
The Guardians enter Friday's game leading the series 2-1 after Petey Halpin's two-run homer helped Cleveland defeat Tampa Bay, 3-2, Thursday afternoon. Gavin Williams struck out nine over five innings in that victory, while four Cleveland relievers combined to allow one hit over four scoreless innings.
Weather remains a concern for Friday, with rain in the Cleveland forecast. First pitch is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET at Progressive Field, although a delay or postponement remains possible.
If Armstrong and Cleveland's bullpen can deliver another strong performance, the Guardians could find themselves just one victory away from their first World Series appearance since 2016.
