On Saturday morning, the Cleveland Guardians unveiled their ALDS roster for Game 1 against the Detroit Tigers. In a surprising move, they excluded one of their top starting pitchers from the lineup.
Guardians manager Stephen Vogt left Ben Lively off the ALDS roster, despite Lively being one of the team’s most reliable starters this season. After joining Cleveland in the offseason, he posted a record of 13-10 with a 3.81 ERA across 29 starts. Lively played a vital role in stabilizing the Guardians’ rotation, especially after Shane Bieber was sidelined after just two starts, Gavin Williams was out for the first three months, and Cade Smith and Triston McKenzie spent time in the minors.
Given that the ALDS is a five-game series, it makes sense for Vogt to focus on optimizing his bullpen and other depth options rather than prioritizing starting pitching. However, it is surprising that Lively was the player chosen to be left off the roster. Many had anticipated that Lively would be in contention to start either Game 2, Game 3, or a possible Game 4 after Tanner Bibee’s Game 1 appearance.
What is Stephen Vogt’s plan for the starting rotation in the ALDS against the Detroit Tigers without Ben Lively?
With Bibee starting Game 1 and Lively omitted from the roster, the Guardians’ pitching strategy for the remainder of the ALDS is beginning to take form.
Matthew Boyd, signed by the Guardians midseason after recovering from Tommy John surgery, has been highly effective and is expected to start Game 2. In his eight starts for Cleveland this season, he has posted a 2.72 ERA.
Alex Cobb, acquired from the San Francisco Giants at the trade deadline, is a potential candidate for the Game 3 start. Although he ended the season on the injured list due to a finger injury, he recently participated in a simulated game and seems to be recovering well. Cobb has been included on the roster, making him a logical choice for the Game 3 rotation.
For a potential Game 4, the only other starting pitcher on Vogt’s ALDS roster is Gavin Williams. Given his 3-10 record and 4.86 ERA, Williams would likely be the choice, though a bullpen game could also be considered, especially with how well the Guardians’ relievers have performed this season.
Leaving Lively off the roster is a risky decision. If the Guardians manage to win in three or four games, it could pay off. However, if the series extends to five games, especially if a starter is pulled early or there’s a lengthy extra innings situation, they might really miss Lively’s contributions.
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