MLB

Ramirez’ home run was his second of the playoffs. He hit a solo shot off Luke Weaver in the ninth inning. Ramirez is hitting just .167 in the postseason so far. If the Guardians are going to get back in this series after falling behind 2-0, Ramirez, who has been the catalyst for Cleveland all year, is going to have to be more consistent at the plate.

Torres continues to stay hot in these playoffs. He’s hitting .292 with a .933 OPS and three RBI in six games so far. The Yankees jumped on Tanner Bibee early in Game 2 and Torres’ leadoff double was a big part of the first inning rally. Torres, who is set to hit free agency for the first time this offseason, is certainly playing his best in what could be his last games with the Yankees.

Judge’s home run was his first in the playoffs this year and 14th of his postseason career. He blasted a two-run shot to centerfield off Hunter Gaddis in the seventh inning. Judge only has three hits in six games in the playoffs so far and the Yankees are two wins away from going to the World Series. The obvious advice to Yankees opponents for the rest of the month is don’t let Judge get hot.

Bibee gave up five hits, walked one and struck out two. He was in trouble in both innings that he started. Gleyber Torres and Juan Soto started the game with back-to-back hits before Brayan Rocchio dropped an infield popup to give the Yankees the early lead. Bibee retired the next three hitters without further damage. In the second inning, he allowed an RBI double to Alex Verdugo after back-to-back singles by Anthony Volpe and Anthony Rizzo to start the frame. Torres popped up, but then Bibee was removed after an intentional walk was issued to Juan Soto. With the off day Wednesday, Stephen Vogt wasn’t going to wait around very long for Bibee to find his best stuff. If Cleveland gets back into the series, Bibee is likely to get another start, but if Vogt has his bullpen rested the leash will be short again.

Cole gave up six hits, walked four and struck out four. He got into two big jams and was able to get out of one of them on his own. In the fourth inning, the Guardians had the bases loaded with one out before Cole got David Fry to pop out and struck out Bryan Rocchio. In the fifth inning, Cleveland loaded the bases with no outs. After a Josh Naylor sacrifice fly made the score 3-1, Cole walked Lane Thomas and then was removed from the game. With the way the Yankees bullpen has pitched so far in the playoffs, it was an easy call. Cole could end up making another start in the series, but ideally the Yankees would wrap it up before he’s needed, which would make him available for World Series Game 1.

Roberts added that Jack Flaherty would pitch Game 5 on regular rest, though the pitching plan will depend on the next two games. Yamamoto fired five scoreless innings in the Dodgers’ Game 5 win in the NLDS against the Padres on Friday. This would be the first road playoff start of his MLB career.

Cobb suffered the strained back in his start against the Yankees in Game 1. The right-hander would be eligible to come back to the roster if the Guardians are to advance to the World Series, but there’s a very good chance his season is over due to the injury even if that takes place.

Lively takes the spot of Alex Cobb, as Cobb was removed from the roster with a strained back. Lively will likely provide early-to-mid inning relief help during the series.

Rizzo played for the first time in weeks in Game 1 of the ALCS for the Yankees in their victory, and the 35-year-old was able to reach twice. There’s a chance that the veteran won’t be out there against southpaws, but with right-hander Tanner Bibee on the bump, Rizzo will hope to help the Yankees take a 2-0 lead in the series. The full lineup: 2B Gleyber Torres, RF Juan Soto, CF Aaron Judge, C Austin Wells, DH Giancarlo Stanton, 3B Jazz Chisholm Jr., SS Anthony Volpe, 1B Rizzo and LF Alex Verdugo.

Price was only with the Giants for one season, and it was a mixed bag at best for the San Francisco hurlers. The 62-year-old appears to be leaving on his own, however, and could be with another organization for the 2025 season. Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic suggests former San Francisco hurler Ryan Vogelsong as a potential replacement.