The Guardians have left Ben Lively off their ALDS roster.
The Cleveland Guardians revealed their ALDS roster on Saturday morning, ahead of Game 1 against the Detroit Tigers. In an unexpected move, one of their top starting pitchers was left off the roster.
Stephen Vogt, the Guardians manager, did not put Ben Lively on his ALDS roster. Lively has been one of the Guardians’ most consistent starters this season. After joining Cleveland this offseason, Lively was 13-10 with a 3.81 ERA in 29 starts. Lively was critical in stabilizing a Guardians rotation that saw Shane Bieber hurt after only two starts, Gavin Williams miss the first three months of the season, and Cade Smith and Triston McKenzie both play in the minor minors.
Because the ALDS is a five-game series, it makes reasonable that Vogt would focus on his bullpen and other depth areas rather than beginning pitching. However, it’s surprising that Lively is the player he chose to leave out. Following Tanner Bibee’s start in Game 1, many expected Lively to start Game 2, Game 3, or maybe Game 4.
What is Stephen Vogt’s plan for the starting rotation in the ALDS against the Detroit Tigers without Ben Lively?
Following Bibee’s Game 1 start, the Guardians’ pitching strategy for the remainder of the ALDS is taking form now that Lively has been removed from the roster.
Matthew Boyd, who signed with the Guardians in the midst of the season after recovering from Tommy John surgery, has been quite efficient and will most likely start Game 2. Boyd’s ERA in eight outings for the Guardians this season is 2.72.
Alex Cobb, who the Guardians acquired from the San Francisco Giants at the trade deadline, could be available for Game 3. Cobb started the season on the disabled list due to a finger injury, but he just threw a simulated game and appears to be improving. Cobb was on the roster and would likely start Game 3.
For a potential Game 4, Vogt’s only other starting pitcher on the ALDS roster is Gavin Williams. Williams, who had a 3-10 record and a 4.86 ERA, would most certainly get the ball. However, given how well the Guardians’ relievers have pitched this season, a bullpen game could be in the cards.
Leaving Lively off the roster is a gamble. If the Guardians can take care of business in three or four games, it may work out. However, if this series extends to five games, a starter is pulled early, or there is an unusually protracted extra innings situation, the Guardians may miss Lively’s contributions greatly.
