Alex Cobb Returns to the Mound for Guardians in ALDS

DETROIT—Alex Cobb is set to make a significant return to the mound for the Cleveland Guardians in Game 3 of the American League Division Series against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on Wednesday. The 37-year-old pitcher makes his first playoff start in over a decade, having last appeared in the postseason in 2013 with the Tampa Bay Rays.

Cobb’s transition to the Guardians came following a season predominantly spent recovering from hip and shoulder injuries. His brief stint with Cleveland included three regular-season starts, highlighting his resilience. A former minor league teammate of Guardians’ manager Stephen Vogt and bench coach Craig Albernaz, Cobb has re-joined the ranks after overcoming challenges with blister and fingernail issues.

Reflecting on his early experiences, Cobb, originally from Florida, shared memories of being a bat boy for the Dodgers during his high school years. “I remember guys like James Maloney… I always did the visiting side, so Dave Ortiz was one of my favorite players,” Cobb recounted. He emphasized how these experiences helped him acclimate to professional baseball.

Cobb’s personal life also garners interest, particularly his adoption of a dog named Oscar, whom he found as a stray in 2015. Oscar was once recognized in a poll as MLB’s best baseball dog, a title Cobb found amusing.

Cobb also shared sentiments about the minor leagues with former teammates like Stephen Vogt and Craig Albernaz. “You don’t know it at the time, but looking back you can see that those guys were destined to be what they are,” Cobb said of his colleagues, noting the unique relationship catchers have with both pitchers and position players.

Outside of baseball, Cobb enjoys spending time with his family, which includes engaging with his daughters, Chloe and Everly, by watching Disney movies. “At this point in my life, it’s just going home to be dad for a while,” Cobb mentioned, reflecting on his typical post-game routine.