MLB5 hours ago2 minute read

Gavin Williams and Griffin Jax Set for Game 3 ALCS Duel

Gavin Williams starts Game 3 for Cleveland on short rest against Tampa Bay starter Griffin Jax after an afternoon schedule shift.

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Williams Takes Mound After Heavy Relief Work

Gavin Williams will start Game 3 of the American League Championship Series for the Cleveland Guardians on Thursday. The righty takes the mound following a massive workload in the Division Series against the Chicago White Sox, where he threw 210 pitches across six days.

Williams logged 11 and two thirds innings over three games in that series. He pitched five innings in Game 2, worked one frame out of the bullpen in Game 4 on two days of rest, and struck out 12 batters over five and two thirds innings in Game 5. Cleveland president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti said Williams threw a bullpen session Tuesday to see how he responded before making the decision. Williams reported that his arm and body feel good.

Early Start Time and Jax Postseason Debut

Major League Baseball shifted the start time from 6 p.m. to 1 p.m. ET due to rain in the forecast for Northeast Ohio. That afternoon slot fits Williams well. During the regular season, he logged a 2.42 ERA in 13 day starts compared to a 4.82 ERA in 19 night starts. He finished the year with a 3.76 ERA and an AL leading 248 strikeouts.

Tampa Bay will start Griffin Jax, who makes his first career postseason start on seven days of rest. Jax worked two innings out of the bullpen against the New York Yankees in the ALDS. The 31 year old converted from a relief role to the rotation in late April, recording a 3.14 ERA in 23 starts. Rays manager Kevin Cash noted the club has high confidence in Jax, highlighting his ability to throw strikes and maintain a steady rhythm.

What it means for the next game

Tampa Bay Rays at Cleveland Guardians (MLB, Thu, 15 Oct): Cleveland Guardians win 51%, Tampa Bay Rays win 49%; projected score Cleveland Guardians 4, Tampa Bay Rays 3. Our safest pick: Rays +3.5. Our best value pick: Guardians -1.5.

Tampa Bay Rays at Cleveland Guardians (MLB, Fri, 16 Oct): Cleveland Guardians win 46%, Tampa Bay Rays win 54%; projected score Cleveland Guardians 4, Tampa Bay Rays 4. Our safest pick: Under 10.5 runs.