Cleveland pitcher Alex Cobb was removed from the American League Championship Series roster after sustaining a lower back strain during the series opener against the New York Yankees. The 37-year-old right-hander left Monday's game after pitching 2 2/3 innings, and he is now ineligible to pitch for the remainder of the postseason.
Cobb expressed his disappointment, stating that missing out on contributing to the team during such a crucial moment in the postseason was particularly challenging for him. Despite being a key player, Cobb's injury has forced the Guardians to search for a Game 5 starter against the Yankees.
Manager Stephen Vogt confirmed Cobb's diagnosis and emphasized that the timing of the injury, coupled with the nature of the strain, made it highly unlikely for Cobb to return to the field this postseason. In Cobb's absence, Ben Lively, the winningest pitcher for Cleveland this season, has been added to the roster as a replacement.
Lively, a 32-year-old right-hander, is now a potential candidate to start Game 3 alongside left-hander Gavin Williams. Vogt acknowledged the challenge of reshuffling the pitching rotation with six more games left in the series.
Cobb's season has been plagued by injuries, starting with hip surgery in October last year. Despite his setbacks, Cobb made a brief return to the mound in August after being acquired by Cleveland from San Francisco. However, various finger injuries and a blister on his right middle finger further disrupted his playing time.
During the playoffs, Cobb struggled with a 7.94 ERA, culminating in his removal from the roster. With a $10 million salary this year, Cobb faces potential free agency after the World Series.
Lively, who last pitched on September 28, is preparing to step up in Cobb's absence. Having faced the Yankees once before, Lively aims to make a significant impact in Game 3 and help Cleveland turn the series around.
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