Rays’ Kevin Cash not announcing ALCS pitching plan as Guardians, White Sox battle in ALDS appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Coming off a clean sweep of the New York Yankees in the AL Division Series (ALDS), the Tampa Bay Rays will look to ride that momentum into the AL Championship Series. The other ALDS matchup, between a pair of AL Central foes in the Cleveland Guardians and Chicago White Sox, will be settled in a Game 5 played on Saturday. Until the Rays know which team will be their opponent in the ALCS, manager Kevin Cash will not announce the team’s pitching plan, according to team reporter Evan Closky via X, formerly Twitter.
“Kevin Cash says they’re not prepared to announce anything in regard to a pitching plan,” Closky shared on Friday afternoon. “Obviously, Rasmussen is a safe assumption for Game 1. Says four starters are likely — but in general, will lean heavily on all those guys. Tampa Bay will play a sim game tomorrow.”
Against the Yankees, ace Drew Rasmussen started Game 1. Following his no-hit bid, the Rays turned to Freddy Peralta for Game 2. In the Game 3 clincher at Yankee Stadium, Cash turned to veteran Nick Martinez. If Tampa Bay follows that same pitching plan, could it lead to the same result as it did against New York?
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It’s certainly possible. The Rays will likely be favored against both the White Sox and Guardians. Their current ALDS matchup could drain whichever team survives, giving Tampa Bay an even greater advantage. The AL East division champions have done things their way for a long time. Cash is well-versed in the Rays system, currently in his 16th season as manager. If delaying his pitching plan announcement gives Tampa Bay even more of an advantage in the ALCS, then there’s certainly a reason behind the wait. Will this decision lead to the Rays’ third-ever World Series berth? If so, then perhaps the Rays can capture their first title this October as well.
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