Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Nick Martinez delivers to the Athletics during the first inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)
Crucial ALCS Showdown Resumes in Cleveland
Rain forced Major League Baseball to pause Game 4 of the American League Championship Series on Friday night at Progressive Field. Showers lingered over downtown Cleveland, pushing the matchup to Saturday evening.
Cleveland enters the rescheduled contest with a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series after a tight 3-2 win in Game 3. With no remaining travel days, both teams now face the physical challenge of playing up to four consecutive days.
For the Tampa Bay Rays, the extra rest provides a needed break for a heavily used bullpen. Tampa Bay must win to avoid falling into a difficult 3-1 deficit heading into Game 5 on Sunday.
Pitching Matchups
Both managers kept their original plans intact following Friday’s postponement.
Nick Martinez starts for Tampa Bay. Martinez posted a 4.91 ERA in his early postseason outings and aims to provide length. His ability to generate ground balls will be key against Cleveland’s disciplined lineup.
Cleveland counters with a bullpen approach led by opener Shawn Armstrong. Armstrong has been sharp this postseason, allowing just one hit across 5.1 shutout innings.
Potential Lineups
Based on the official cards submitted prior to the rainout, both clubs bring familiar orders to the field.
Tampa Bay Rays Lineup:
Yandy Díaz, DH
Jonathan Aranda, 1B
Chandler Simpson, LF
Junior Caminero, 3B
Liam Hicks, C
Victor Mesa Jr., RF
Jonny DeLuca, CF
Richie Palacios, 2B
Taylor Walls, SS
Cleveland Guardians Lineup:
Steven Kwan, LF
José Ramírez, 3B
Chase DeLauter, RF
Jo Adell, DH
Nathaniel Lowe, 1B
Travis Bazzana, 2B
Patrick Bailey, C
Petey Halpin, CF
Brayan Rocchio, SS
Keys to Victory for Tampa Bay
Execute with runners in scoring position. Tampa Bay managed only three hits in Game 3. Yandy Díaz and Junior Caminero must convert opportunities created by Chandler Simpson’s speed.
Set the tone early. Facing a bullpen game, the Rays need to work deep counts against Shawn Armstrong to force Cleveland into early middle-relief decisions.
Manage pitching efficiently. Nick Martinez must navigate Cleveland’s core hitters cleanly to preserve high-leverage arms for the demanding schedule ahead.
Keys to Victory for Cleveland
Generate early run support. Scoring early reduces pressure on a bullpen facing multiple consecutive days of work.
Protect home field. José Ramírez continues to anchor the offense. Getting runners on ahead of power threats keeps momentum with Cleveland.
Maintain strong middle relief. Cleveland’s bullpen must handle the middle innings without allowing big frames.
Broadcast Information
Television: National Broadcast: TBS / Max Time: 8:00 PM EDT
Radio: National Radio: ESPN Radio Rays Local Radio: WDAE 95.3 FM / 620 AM Guardians Local Radio: WTAM 1100 AM / WMMS 100.7 FM
