And just like that, the Guardians are one win away from an American League Division Series date with the Yankees, while the Rays are breaking Glas in case of emergency.
“Glas,” of course, is Tyler Glasnow, who made his long-awaited return from Tommy John surgery two weeks ago — coincidentally, against the Guardians — and has looked sharp in two starts. With the Rays in a 1-0 hole after a 2-1 loss in the opener of this best-of-three AL Wild Card Series at Progressive Field, they’ll be counting on their ace, who will likely be limited to somewhere in the neighborhood of 75 to 85 pitches, to set a triumphant tone and then be ready to back him up with an arsenal of arms in Game 2 this afternoon.
The Guardians will counter with a fresh Triston McKenzie, whose breakout was a big key to their rise this season. Cleveland has not advanced in the postseason since the 2016 run to the AL pennant. A win today would change that.
