MLB Player News

Martinez earned the win in Game 4 of the ALCS against the Guardians on Saturday, allowing one run on two hits with three strikeouts and two walks across 5.1 innings.

The right-hander surrendered a run on two hits and a wild pitch during the opening frame but otherwise was able to keep Cleveland off the board to help even the series at 2-2. It was an improved effort from Martinez compared to his first playoff start during the ALDS, when he gave up two runs on five hits in 3.2 innings. He doesn't line up for another start versus the Guardians but could be available out of the bullpen for the final games of the series.

Armstrong and the Guardians won't face the Rays on Friday in Game 4 of the ALCS, as the game was postponed due to inclement weather.

Games 4 and 5 will both be pushed back a day as a result. Armstrong had been slated to work as an opener in Game 4 after logging 5.1 shutout innings to begin the postseason, and the Guardians will stand pat with their plan to use him in the first inning of Saturday's contest, per Tim Stebbins of MLB.com. Tanner Bibee and Joey Cantillo will be candidates to follow Armstrong in a bulk role.

Martinez and the Rays won't face the Guardians on Friday in Game 4 of the ALCS, as the game was postponed due to rain.

Game 4 will now be played Saturday, and Game 5 will be pushed back to Sunday. Martinez will presumably remain in place as Tampa Bay's Game 4 starter and will be looking to bounce back after giving up two earned runs in just 3.2 innings during his last outing against the Yankees in the ALDS.

The Rays list Martinez as their probable pitcher for Friday's ALCS Game 4 in Cleveland.

Martinez will be pitching on eight days' rest after yielding two runs over 3.2 innings in the Rays' ALDS Game 3 win over the Yankees. The right-hander logged a 3.10 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 109:26 K:BB over 180 regular-season innings for the Rays. The Guardians will counter with opener Shawn Armstrong as an opener, with Tanner Bibee and/or Joey Cantillo likely to handle bulk relief.

Armstrong will serve as the Guardians' opener Friday in Game 4 of the ALCS against the Rays, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Armstrong has been terrific this postseason, logging 5.1 scoreless innings while allowing just one hit with a 5:0 K:BB. Tanner Bibee and/or Joey Cantillo will be options for bulk relief for the Guardians on Friday.

Smith struck out two over 1.1 perfect innings to record the save in Game 3 of the ALCS against the Rays on Thursday.

The right-hander was tasked with recording the final four outs of Game 3 with Cleveland leading 3-2, and he retired all four batters he faced on 18 pitches (13 strikes). Smith didn't pitch in the Game 2 loss on Tuesday, which was the first playoff game this season that he did not make an appearance for Cleveland. He's been dominant despite the heavy workload, surrendering just one run on two hits and one walk while striking out 13 across 8.2 frames.

Jax was charged with the loss in Game 3 of the ALCS against the Guardians on Thursday, allowing three runs on five hits with two strikeouts and two walks over four-plus innings.

Jax entered the fifth inning with a 2-1 lead, but he surrendered an infield single and a two-run homer to begin that frame before getting the hook. It was the first start of the playoffs for the right-hander, who made one relief appearance during the ALDS and gave up a run over two innings. Jax will likely be in the mix to start a possible Game 7 for Tampa Bay.

Halpin went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run during Game 3 of the ALCS against the rays on Thursday.

Halpin primarily came off the bench during the ALDS against the White Sox, but he's started in center field in all three games so far versus Tampa Bay. The 24-year-old gave Cleveland a 3-2 lead with his two-run blast during the fifth inning, which held up as the final score. Across his four playoff starts, Halpin has gone 4-for-11 with two doubles, the two-run homer and four strikeouts.

Williams earned the win Thursday in Game 3 of the ALCS against the Rays, giving up two runs on two hits and one walk with nine strikeouts over five innings.

The right-hander ran into trouble during the fourth inning when Tampa Bay scored twice on a walk, double and a triple, but he was perfect in each of his other four frames. Williams has been Cleveland's best starter in the playoffs with a 2.30 ERA, 0.78 WHIP and 23:5 K:BB across 15.2 innings, and he also fired a scoreless frame out of the bullpen in the ALDS. The 27-year-old tentatively lines up to start Game 7 of the championship series, should it be necessary.

Povich underwent surgery Wednesday to remove loose bodies from his left elbow, Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Weyrich reveals that Povich had pitched through significant discomfort down the stretch of the regular season, and the decision was made to have surgery. It's a relatively minor operation as far as elbow surgeries go, and the Orioles anticipate Povich being ready to roll for spring training. The lefty held a 4.38 ERA, 1.49 WHIP and 28:15 K:BB across 37 innings at the major-league level in 2026. Assuming health, he's likely in line to compete for a spot in the Orioles' rotation in 2027.