The Cleveland Guardians are hyped and ready to go.
They will start their playoff journey on Saturday afternoon, taking on the red-hot Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field.
The play ball voice is scheduled for 1:08 pm ET.
It’s an important postseason for Cleveland considering they didn’t make it to October last year.
Expectations are high, and the Guardians are embracing them.
After almost a week passed by since their last game, they have had some time to make some decisions regarding their roster.
On Saturday morning, just a few hours before taking the field, the organization revealed its AL Division Series roster.
There is a surprise or two.
Our roster has been set for the ALDS.#ForTheLand | #GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/rQhPTdSZYC
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) October 5, 2024
The first thing that comes to mind is that this is a roster that can compete with anybody in the American League, at least.
Then, we see some absences.
For example, starting pitcher Ben Lively, who had a very solid regular season, is not part of the roster.
Rather than a performance-based decision, it probably has something to do with the fact that the Guards will only need three starters in this best-of-five series, thanks to the off days.
Alex Cobb overcame recent health issues to make the roster and is an option to start.
Reliever Nick Sandlin is also off the roster, as manager Stephen Vogt prioritized other setup options like Andrew Walters and Erik Sabrowski.
The usual unsung heroes on the bullpen are all there: Emmanuel Clase, Tim Herrin, Eli Morgan, Cade Smith, and Hunter Gaddis.
Joey Cantillo also made the roster, but utility infielder Angel Martinez didn’t.
The Guardians are officially ready for the Tigers.
NEXT: Guardians Post Must-See Hype Video Ahead Of AL Division Series
