NEW YORK — The Cleveland Guardians will be without veteran starter Alex Cobb for the rest of the season after he suffered an acute low back strain, the team announced Tuesday. Cobb, who took the mound for Game 1 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the New York Yankees, was pulled early and will not return this postseason.
To replace Cobb on the roster, Cleveland added right-hander Ben Lively, ruling Cobb out for the World Series, should the Guardians advance. Lively, 32, led the team in wins during the regular season, posting a 13-10 record with a 3.81 ERA across 29 starts.
The Guardians’ move required Major League Baseball’s approval since only injured players can be removed from the postseason roster. Cobb’s back injury flared up during Monday’s 6-2 loss to the Yankees, forcing him to exit after just 2 ⅔ innings. Manager Stephen Vogt explained the severity of the situation.
“This injury would definitely land him on the injured list,” Vogt said before Game 2. “And with the timing of the season, the chances of him pitching again were very, very slim.”
With Cobb originally slated to start a potential Game 5, Vogt and his coaching staff now need to adjust their pitching strategy. Both Lively and left-hander Gavin Williams are options to start Game 3 in Cleveland on Thursday.
“We’re still figuring it out,” Vogt admitted. “We’ve got six more games to cover, and losing Alex was a big blow.”
This latest setback wraps up a rocky season for Cobb. The 37-year-old All-Star, acquired from the San Francisco Giants at the trade deadline, managed only five starts for the Guardians — three during the regular season and two in the playoffs. His return from offseason hip surgery kept him sidelined until August 9, and he made multiple trips back to the injured list with minor issues, including a fractured fingernail and a blister.
Cobb’s playoff performances were also shaky, as he posted an 0-2 record with a 7.94 ERA in two postseason appearances.
Meanwhile, Lively steps into the spotlight with limited postseason experience. He wasn’t included on the ALDS roster and hasn’t pitched since September 28. His only previous appearance against the Yankees came last year, when he gave up a home run to Aaron Judge and allowed two runs during a 6-2 loss while with the Cincinnati Reds.
Despite the long layoff, Lively says he’s been sticking to his regular routine. “I’ve kept the same program — workouts, bullpen sessions — so I’m ready if they need me,” Lively said.
The Guardians face an uphill battle with Cobb sidelined, but they’ll need to find answers quickly if they hope to keep their championship aspirations alive.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
