Shawn

Armstrong

Armstrong will receive a buyout of $1.5 million and will hit the free agent market. The 36-year-old made 41 appearances out of the Guardians’ bullpen in 2026, compiling a 4.58 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and a 34/19 K/BB ratio over 35 1/3 innings. Given the impressive work that he did for the Rays in 2023 and the Rangers in 2025 though, Armstrong shouldn’t have any problem landing a major league deal this winter.

It’s a “win or go home” situation for the Guardians, so every reliever is going to be a potential option on Monday. Tanner Bibee figures to serve as one of the bulk followers, but Joey Cantillo threw just 15 pitches in Game 4 on Saturday, and Slade Cecconi threw 22 pitches in that game, so they will both be possibilities as well. Gavin Williams, we know, will not be an option unless there is a Game 7.

The Rays had an opportunity to change things up if they wanted to after Friday’s rain out, but they’ll stick with Martinez as they look to even up the series at two games apiece on Saturday. The Guardians will stick with their plan as well, giving the ball to Shawn Armstrong as an opener.

Major League Baseball tried to wait this one out, but the forecast wasn’t improving and the outlook looked too bleak to push it any longer. Game 4 will now be played on Saturday at 8:00 PM EST, while Game 5 will be on Sunday afternoon at 5:00 PM EST. Expect Friday’s scheduled starters — Nick Martinez for the Rays and Shawn Armstrong (as an opener) for the Guardians — to get the ball on Saturday.

The two teams remain in contact with Major League Baseball and are hopeful that they’ll be able to get the game in. Otherwise, it could lead to major changes to the rest of the postseason schedule. It sounds like they’ll do everything possible to play baseball on Friday night, just anticipate a long and rain-soaked evening at the most critical time of the season.

Armstrong has pitched 5 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit, to date this postseason. The Guardians will have Tanner Bibee and Joey Cantillo both available to go long tonight. Bibee has yet to pitch in the ALCS, while Cantillo has thrown only an inning.

Armstrong returns to Cleveland’s bullpen mix after missing two months with a left calf strain. The 36-year-old veteran reliever is back for Wednesday’s contest against the Red Sox. He’s compiled a serviceable 4.91 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 33/19 K/BB ratio across 33 innings this season.

Armstrong is facing a lengthy absence after hitting the shelf with a left calf strain back in late July. He’s likely to miss the remainder of the regular season. The procedural move opened up a spot on Cleveland’s 40-man roster at the trade deadline.

Armstrong is going to miss at least a couple weeks after suffering the injury while backing up home plate during Friday’s game against the Rays. The 35-year-old has posted a serviceable 4.91 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 33/19 K/BB ratio across 33 innings this season. There should be a definitive return timetable at some point in the coming days.

Armstrong was just backing up home plate when a misstep left him with what looked like a pretty serious strain. He’ll probably go on the IL on Saturday. Will Dion, who was sent down Friday, could come right back to the majors.