The Cleveland Guardians found a way to survive the ALDS, rallying from two games down to eliminate the Chicago White Sox with a thrilling Game 5 victory. Now, about to face the powerful Tampa Bay Rays in the ALCS, the Guardians have chosen the players who will take on that challenge.
It might be wise to keep things the same, considering the success the Guardians had winning three straight against the White Sox with their backs against the wall. But Cleveland is bolstering its pitching staff as it tries to get back to the World Series for the first time since 2016.
Heading into Game 1 on Monday, the Guardians announced their ALCS roster, with pitcher Slade Cecconi added and utilityman Daniel Schneeman removed.
“Our roster for the American League Championship Series is set. PITCHERS: Shawn Armstrong, Tanner Bibee, Joey Cantillo, Slade Cecconi, Daniel Espino, Matt Festa, Hunter Gaddis, Foster Griffin, Tim Herrin, Parker Messick, Erik Sabrowski, Cade Smith, Gavin Williams. OUTFIELDERS: Jo Adell, Chase DeLauter, Petey Halpin, Steven Kwan, Angel Martinez. INFIELDERS: Travis Bazzana, David Fry, Angel Genao, Nathaniel Lowe, Jose Ramirez, Brayan Rocchio,” the Guardians posted.
Our roster for the American League Championship Series is set.#GuardsBall | #StandGuard pic.twitter.com/TTbF8rYfuU
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) October 12, 2026
Cecconi was left off the ALDS roster as the Guardians already had five starting pitchers available for the short series and opted for experienced relievers. Now, facing a potential seven-game battle with the Rays, long relievers could be needed and more valuable.
The change makes sense, considering how taxed the Guardians’ pitchers must be after the grueling series against the White Sox that ended on Sunday. Cleveland used 11 pitchers over the five games, with eight throwing at least two innings. Matt Festa is the only pitcher on the ALDS roster who did not make an appearance.
Meanwhile, Schneeman did not make an appearance at the plate or in the field, as manager Stephen Vogt relied heavily on his starting nine, calling on Petey Halpin to start Game 5 instead of slumping Angel Martinez. Halpin and Angel Genao were called on as defensive replacements at times, leaving not much need for Schneeman right now.
This season, Cecconi made 21 starts for Cleveland, but his role changed when it acquired Foster Griffin from the Washington Nationals at the trade deadline. His final seven appearances were all in relief, when he had a 5.93 ERA with 11 hits, four walks, three home runs, and 15 strikeouts in 13.2 innings.
Now, he will be on call in the bullpen, looking to help the Guardians in whatever manner necessary.
NEXT: Guardians Urged To Address Glaring Roster Hole In Offseason
