There’s no time like your season on the line, to make your postseason debut.
The Cleveland Guardians have announced their starter for Game 5 of the American League Division Series will remain Aaron Civale.
After Game 5 of the ALDS was postponed from last night to today at 4:07, the New York Yankees made the switch from right-hander Jameson Taillon to lefty Nestor Cortes, who will throw on only three days' rest. The Guardians, whom may elect to throw Shane Bieber on the same amount of rest at some point in game five, will stick with Civale to open the contest.
The 27-year-old has not pitched since October 5th, the final game of the regular season. Civale permitted two runs over six innings of work against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field.
Civale was available out of the bullpen after Game 1, but the way the series unfolded Terry Francona saved the East Windsor, Connecticut native for this spot.
“Everyone pictures moments like this when you play this game” said Civale. “Taking it one pitch at a time and focusing will be most important.”
Twice in 2022, Civale matched up with the Yankees. Across nine innings, the right-hander allowed 10 runs off 12 hits. He only went three innings back on April 24th in the Bronx.
“There’s going to be a lot of screaming, a lot of fans,” added Civale. “At the end of the day it’s noise.”
With yesterday’s rain out the top bullpen arms of Emmanuel Clase, James Karinchak and Trevor Stephan are fresh and enter Tuesday on two days rest.