Cleveland Rookie Cade Smith Shines in ALDS Debut

CLEVELAND, Ohio — In the first game of the American League Division Series at Progressive Field, rookie reliever Cade Smith added another 1 2/3 innings to his already impressive postseason record. Smith struck out all four batters he faced in the opening game against the Detroit Tigers, becoming the first Cleveland pitcher to strike out the first five batters of his postseason career. Only three other pitchers in Major League Baseball history, including Curt Schilling in 1993, have achieved this feat.

Smith’s postseason debut has been remarkable, as he is only the second rookie in major league history to face at least four batters in each of his first two postseason outings without allowing a single baserunner. He joins fellow Cleveland pitcher Rafaél Perez, who set this record in 2007.

Starting pitcher Matthew Boyd expressed his admiration for Smith’s performance, highlighting the rookie’s maturity and professionalism. “If you watch the way he carries himself on a day-to-day basis, you’re not surprised,” Boyd said. “He doesn’t carry himself like a rookie. He has a plan. He knows exactly what he expects himself, both in (the clubhouse) and on the mound, and he goes about his work like a professional.”

Manager Stephen Vogt also praised Smith’s contributions to Cleveland’s bullpen, stating, “He does everything we ask of him, his work ethic is second to none, and his stuff is great. To have a weapon like that is huge.”

The series continues as the Cleveland Guardians prepare for Game 3. Jhonkensy Noel was noted for his outfield assist, marking him as the third Cleveland rookie to do so in the postseason, alongside Oscar Gonzalez in 2022 and Tyler Naquin in 2016.

The Guardians and Tigers were set to travel to Detroit for the next games of the series, with Game 3 scheduled to take place at Comerica Park.