Red Sox release veteran backstop Matt Thaiss

Hedges is behind the plate, meaning Patrick Bailey will begin Tuesday’s contest on the bench. That’s the only player change for the Guardians as they look to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. The full lineup behind Parker Messick: Steven Kwan LF, Jose Ramirez 3B, Chase DeLauter DH, Jo Adell RF, Travis Bazzana 2B, Petey Halpin CF, Hedges C and Brayan Rocchio hitting ninth at shortstop.

Even with another left-hander on the mound for the Guardians, the Rays will have Simpson play left field after he sat in the Game 1 loss. Ryan Vilade will open the game on the bench, but likely be used before Tuesday’s game comes to a close, if needed. The full lineup as Tampa Bay looks to avoid an 0-2 hole with Freddy Peralta on the mound for the Rays: Yandy Diaz DH, Jonathan Aranda 1B, Junior Caminero 3B, Victor Mesa Jr. RF, Jonny DeLuca CF, Simpson LF, Ben Williamson 2B, Liam Hicks C and Taylor Walls at shortstop.

Vallimont, 29, worked mostly as a starter for Double-A Wichita this year, posting a 4.33 ERA and a 68/23 K/BB in 70 2/3 innings. He’s made one major league appearance in his career, getting two outs without allowing a run in a game for the Orioles in 2023.

Back in August, Astros owner Jim Crane told the media that Joe Espada would manage the team for the remainder of the season and a decision on his future would be made after the season. Even though he’s unsigned going forward, Espada’s contract doesn’t officially end until the end of the month, so the Mariners needed and received permission to talk to him. In three seasons as the Astros’ manager, Espada has gone 256-229, winning the AL West in both 2024 and 2026, but the team underperformed this season and looked listless in a playoff loss to the White Sox.

Flewelling made a name for himself on the national stage with a home run in this year’s Futures Game, which led to him being named the game’s MVP. The 19-year-old hit .243/.364/.452 with 21 home runs, 67 RBI, and eight steals in 106 games at High-A this season and could begin next year in Double-A. Knowing how the Rays handle their prospects, he may still be two years away from his MLB debut.

The 2024 MLB Draft pick had a breakout season, becoming the first minor league catcher in 45 years to post a 30/30 season when he hit 32 homers and swiped 32 bases. He also slashed .252/.391/.531 in 123 games while climbing from High-A Asheville to Triple-A Sugar Land. While he may not supplant Yainer Diaz just yet, he could emerge as the backup catcher for 2027 and a potentially valuable bat on the roster.

Gasser threw four innings of one-run ball in Game 4 of the NL Division Series in the win over the Padres. The left-hander had a 3.87 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and 103/35 K/BB ratio in 109 1/3 innings for the Brewers this season, and he has a 1.73 ERA in his last seven games (six starts). It’s unlikely that the Brewers let him pitch deep into this game, but they are up 2-0 in the series, so they may want to give their bullpen some rest if they see the chance to.

Ramírez remained sizzling-hot as the Guardians erased an early deficit to rally for a comeback victory in the opener of a best-of-seven series, scoring all seven of their runs in the sixth inning or later. The 34-year-old franchise cornerstone capped off a sublime three-hit performance by extending Cleveland’s lead with a two-out RBI single in the eighth inning. He’s gone 8-for-17 with two homers and eight RBI over his last four postseason games. The two teams will square off again at Tropicana Field in Game 2 on Tuesday night.

Caminero slapped an RBI single into left field to give Tampa Bay an early advantage, but they were unable to hang on in the opener of a best-of-seven series. The big concern for the Rays moving forward is Caminero’s health after he somehow managed to remain in the contest following a massive collision with teammate Jonny DeLuca down the left-field line in the ninth inning. It looked like DeLuca got the worst of it, but the primary point of contact was Caminero’s left shoulder and ribcage. Rays manager Kevin Cash told reporters afterwards that he got the wind knocked out of him and seems to be completely fine. All signs point to Caminero being ready for Tuesday’s Game 2 showdown at Tropicana Field.

DeLauter spearheaded Cleveland’s relentless offensive effort in this one as he tallied three hits, including a sixth-inning solo shot off Rays ace Drew Rasmussen. His most consequential knock was an eighth-inning double that set up a go-ahead two-run single by ensuing batter Nathaniel Lowe. He also drew a walk, reaching base safely in three of his five plate appearances. The 25-year-old rookie has fit perfectly with franchise cornerstone José Ramírez in the heart of Cleveland’s lineup, hitting .333 (8-for-24) with one homer and three RBI this postseason.