Cobb Named Game 1 Starter for ALCS Against Yankees

The Cleveland Guardians have announced right-handed pitcher Alex Cobb as their starting pitcher for Game 1 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the New York Yankees. This announcement, made on October 13, 2024, reveals a significant decision for the Guardians as they face their first postseason encounter with the Yankees, slated for Monday.

Cobb, aged 37, has had a challenging season marked by physical setbacks. Following hip surgery after the 2023 season and subsequent shoulder inflammation during spring training, he made a delayed debut for the current season on August 9. During the regular season, Cobb managed to make only three starts.

In his last regular season appearance on September 1, Cobb delivered an impressive performance by carrying a perfect game into the seventh inning, eventually giving up a single. Unfortunately, he missed further play due to a torn fingernail and a blister, sidelining him for another month. Cobb made his most recent return during Game 3 of the American League Division Series against the Houston Astros, where he allowed two runs on three hits over three innings, concluding in a 3-0 Guardians’ defeat.

Across 13 MLB seasons, Cobb has compiled a record of 79-76 with a 3.84 ERA in 233 starts. His professional journey has taken him from the Tampa Bay Rays (2011-17), through the Baltimore Orioles (2018-20), the Los Angeles Angels (2021), the San Francisco Giants (2022-23), and now with the Cleveland Guardians. Cobb’s career highlights include being selected as an All-Star in 2023 while with the Giants.

Cobb’s transition to Cleveland from San Francisco occurred on July 30, while he was still recuperating from shoulder inflammation. As he prepares for another pivotal game on Monday, expectations remain high for his performance in the postseason opener against Yankees’ left-hander Nestor Cortes Jr.