Former Orioles starter set to lead the Guardians into ALCS

The 2024 ALCS is set to get underway later this evening, with the Guardians traveling to New York to take on the hated Yankees. Most of America will be pulling for Cleveland, as we've about had enough Yankees' success to last a lifetime.

Taking the mound for the Guardians will be none other than former Orioles starter Alex Cobb. It'll be his second start of the 2024 postseason. Cobb took the loss in Game 3 of the ALDS against the Tigers, in which he gave up 2 runs on 3 hits and a walk in 3 innings pitched.

Cobb threw just 41 pitches in that pivotal outing in Detroit last week and it's possible that manager Stephen Vogt has the righty on a similarly short leash coming into an all-important Game 1 tonight.

Alex Cobb has missed most of 2024 with injuries but gets a huge opportunity on ALCS stage

Cobb spent the majority of this year on the IL with a variety of ailments. Back in October of 2023, Cobb underwent hip surgery to address ongoing labrum and impingement issues. That surgery alone was initially supposed to keep Cobb out six months but multiple setbacks kept him out longer than expected.

However, after Cobb's hip was ready to go he suffered a fingernail avulsion and subsequently a blister on his throwing hand that kept him out until mid-September. He did finally return to the mound for the final two weeks of the year and made three starts with the Guardians.

Cobb was successful in his 16.1 innings this year. He posted a 2.76 ERA with a 3.29 FIP, albeit with a brutally low 16.1% strikeout rate. Cobb has never been a big time strikeout pitcher but that was his lowest K-rate since his dismal days with the Orioles.

It's possible that Cobb can be good enough over a short span in these 2024 playoffs. He'll face a tough test in this Yankees lineup that was among the league's best over the course of the season. The lineup is top heavy, with sluggers Aaron Judge and Juan Soto arguably the best 1-2 punch on any major league roster.

Outside of those two, there should be opportunities for Cobb to get in a groove but tonight's environment will be hostile for the visiting Guardians. Regardless, we'll be pulling for Cobb and the Guardians to pull off the upset and send the Yankees packing.