Game 4 of the ALCS between the Cleveland Guardians and Tampa Bay Rays was postponed to Saturday, Oct. 17, after rain forced a delay at Progressive Field. The rescheduling moves Game 5 to Sunday, Oct. 18, with both teams confirming their original starters for the makeup game.
The American League Championship Series faced its second weather-related setback as Game 4 between the Cleveland Guardians and Tampa Bay Rays was postponed to Saturday, Oct. 17, after persistent rain forced a delay at Progressive Field. The rescheduling moved Game 5 to Sunday, Oct. 18, with both teams confirming their original starters for the makeup game.
Tonight's game has been postponed.#GuardsBall | #StandGuard pic.twitter.com/KCM1Zg5H5o
Postponement Follows Rain Delay, Schedule Shifts
Major League Baseball announced the postponement after grounds crews struggled to dry the field following steady rain that began late Friday. The original 8:08 p.m. ET start time for Game 4 was delayed for over an hour before the league decided to move the game to Saturday. Game 5, originally scheduled for Sunday, was pushed to 5:08 p.m. ET, with both teams adjusting their plans accordingly.
It never cleared out the way they were hoping. It started to get later in the hour, and MLB and I think both clubs did everything they could to try to get it in,
Rays manager Kevin Cash said, reflecting on the decision. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt echoed the sentiment, noting the challenges of the weather but emphasizing the team’s readiness to adapt.
Rays and Guardians are prepared to play Game 4 in some late October type of weather pic.twitter.com/m64uSbxFUP
The ALCS game was postponed for the first time since 2019, when the New York Yankees hosted the Houston Astros. The last rainout happened on Halloween 2022, causing Game 3 of the World Series between the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies to be moved to the next day. The current postponement also disrupted the teams’ travel and rest schedules, as the Guardians and Rays would face a compressed four-game stretch if the series goes the distance.
Teams Keep Original Starters Despite Delay
Despite the delay, both teams confirmed they would retain their scheduled starters for Game 4. The Rays will send right-hander Nick Martinez to the mound, while the Guardians will rely on Shawn Armstrong as an opener. Martinez, with a 2.38 ERA on the road in the regular season, ranked fourth in the AL, following the Yankees’ Cam Schlittler, Blue Jays’ Dylan Cease, and Guardians’ Parker Messick. His performance against the Guardians in two regular-season matchups included 13 scoreless innings.
It is 4:52 p.m. As of now, Game 4 is still on for 8 p.m. at Progressive Field. #Guardians manager Stephen Vogt says another meeting with #MLB officials is set for 6 p.m. for a weather update. #Rays pic.twitter.com/5OD7kY8T28
Vogt emphasized the Guardians’ confidence in their strategy, even with the compressed schedule. We’re more than used to these kinds of delays,
he said. The Guardians hold a 2-1 series lead, but the postponement adds complexity to their playoff path, particularly if the series extends to a potential Game 7. The Guardians have three starters available in relief on Saturday: Tanner Bibee, Joey Cantillo, and Slade Cecconi.
Martinez, who worked 3 2/3 innings in Game 3 of the ALDS, had not taken the mound since. Cash stated, We’ll go day to day from there,
but confirmed Martinez would start Game 4. The Guardians, meanwhile, decided not to alter their plan, with Armstrong set to open the game despite the extra day of rest.
Weather Impacts Future Games
The weather played a central role in the decision, with strong winds and lingering rain creating unfavorable conditions. FOX Weather reported north winds gusting as high as 35 mph, blowing in from the outfield at Progressive Field. While Saturday’s forecast with morning clouds followed by afternoon sun, temperatures will be in the low 50s and lows in the upper 30s. Showers are possible at times, though probably will not be heavy enough to suspend play.
Should the series extend to its maximum, the Guardians and Rays would play four games over four days to determine the World Series qualifier. Games 6 and 7 were already scheduled for consecutive days, Monday and Tuesday. We have an opportunity to win some games and move on. And that’s all we’re focused on,
Vogt said, acknowledging the physical demands but expressing confidence in his team’s preparation. The Brewers defeated the two-time defending Los Angeles Dodgers 4-0 in the National League Championship Series, with the series winner facing the Milwaukee Brewers in the World Series beginning October 23.
#Guardians manager Stephen Vogt shrugged off the Game 4 rainout Friday night at Progressive Field and said his team will be ready to go for the rescheduled game at 8 p.m. Saturday. Game 5 is set for 5 p.m. Sunday in Cleveland. pic.twitter.com/wBzQXVpxJd
The postponement marks the first time an ALCS game has been postponed since 2019. Fans holding tickets for the original ALCS Game 4 on Friday, October 16 can use them for ALCS Game 5 on Sunday, October 18 at 5:00 p.m. The Guardians have not won a World Series since 1948, while the Rays are seeking their first title after losses in 2008 and 2020.
Roster Adjustments Amid Postponement
The postponement impacts the Guardians’ pitching depth, particularly for Parker Messick, who started Game 2 on Tuesday at Tropicana Field. With the series now on a tighter schedule, Messick’s role may shift. The Rays’ Rasmussen can now pitch Game 5 against the Guardians on Sunday on five days’ rest. This was typical for him in the regular season; 23 of his 30 starts had five days of rest or more, with only seven starts on four days’ rest.
Stephen Vogt just told us there’s a 6 pm call/meeting with MLB about the weather and playing Game 4 tonight #Guardians #Rays
The Guardians’ 2-1 series lead was propelled by Petey Halpin’s two-run homer in a 3-2 victory in Game 3 on Thursday afternoon. Their ability to adapt to the weather and schedule changes will be critical. The Rays, meanwhile, have relied on their bullpen, with pitchers like Shawn Armstrong, who appeared in 38 games and made seven starts with the Rays in 2024, and Nick Martinez, whose road performance demonstrates his reliability.
The series’ outcome could determine the Guardians’ first pennant since 2016 and the Rays’ first since 2020. Both teams have faced challenges: the Guardians’ 2-1 lead is slim, while the Rays’ rotation has been tested by the delay. The next game, scheduled for Saturday at 8 p.m. ET, will be a key test of resilience for both clubs.
Nick Martinez will still start Game 4 tomorrow, on Saturday, Kevin Cash said.
More on ALCS
Let’s get this party going! 🙌Come back out to Tropicana Field tonight and join us for our ALCS Game 4 Watch Party!Reserve your 🎟️ : https://t.co/PRqOFP7DcI pic.twitter.com/fJAG15TfAK
Game 4 of the ALCS has been postponed. It will be played Saturday at 8 p.m. ET. Game 5 has been moved to Sunday at 5 p.m. ET.