Major League Baseball has moved the start time for Game 3 of the American League Championship Series between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Cleveland Guardians to 1:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, to avoid anticipated evening rain at Progressive Field in Cleveland. The decision, reported by the Associated Press, shifts the game five hours earlier to ensure the best chance of playing during dry conditions.
Why did Major League Baseball change the start time?
The league acted to keep the best-of-seven series on schedule following a forecast that predicts rain in the Cleveland area during the evening hours. Rays manager Kevin Cash expressed support for the move, noting that the team and league officials aimed to “bank as many dry innings as possible.” The series is currently tied at 1-1, with the Guardians winning the opener 7-3 on Monday and the Rays taking Game 2 with a 3-1 victory on Tuesday. Following Tuesday’s game, the Rays flew to Cleveland, while the Guardians stayed in Florida overnight before returning Wednesday morning.
Who is starting on the mound for Game 3?
Tampa Bay will turn to right-hander Griffin Jax for his first career postseason start. Jax, who holds an 8-10 record with a 3.52 ERA, previously provided two innings of relief in the Division Series against the New York Yankees. It’s a big honor, one that I’ve been looking forward to for a really long time now that I’m in the rotation,
he said. He has been studying how teammates Drew Rasmussen and Freddy Peralta attacked the Cleveland lineup, noting, There’s definitely things I can watch and learn from the way Drew attacked them and then what Freddy did last night.
Thursday's ALCS Game 3 between the Rays and Guardians has been moved up to 1 pm ET (originally 6 pm ET) due to forecasted inclement weather in Cleveland. pic.twitter.com/a6lw8voWKG
— https://x.com/MLB/status/2110401609230635015
The Guardians will counter with right-hander Gavin Williams, who led the American League in strikeouts this season and tied a franchise postseason record with 12 strikeouts in a decisive ALDS win against the Chicago White Sox. Williams, who carries a 14-8 record and 3.76 ERA, held a 1.54 ERA against the White Sox, allowing two runs and six hits across 11 2/3 innings during that series. Regarding the Rays’ offense, Williams stated, They don’t strike out much. They’re going to put the ball in play. They’re going to put a lot of pressure on us. Just going to have to execute the best way I know how to.
Key threats in the lineup
Pitchers will need to navigate several hot bats. For the Rays, Jonny DeLuca is batting .333 this postseason and is 4 for 8 with a home run during the current ALCS.
How does the weather affect the rest of the series?
While Thursday’s adjustment addresses immediate concerns, the forecast for Friday remains uncertain, with rain predicted throughout the day.
Are other playoff games changing schedules?
The schedule change is not limited to the American League. Major League Baseball also moved up the start time for Game 4 of the National League Championship Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers. That game, which will take place at Dodger Stadium, was moved one hour earlier to 5:00 p.m. local time (8:00 p.m. ET) for broadcast purposes. The Brewers currently hold a 2-0 lead in that series.
What do fans need to know about the upcoming games?
The ALCS will continue at Progressive Field for the next three games. Fans attending the ballpark should monitor official team channels for potential further updates regarding weather delays. The series is set to continue on Friday at 6 p.m.
