Rays-Guardians ALCS Game 3: What’s the updated start time, and who is set to pitch?

MLB moved Thursday’s Game 3 at Progressive Field up to 1 p.m. ET due to forecasted rain in Cleveland. The Rays will send Griffin Jax, while Cleveland is expected to counter with Gavin Williams, with lineups built around each team’s usual mix.

By The Apex Times Newsroom2 min readAI-assisted Apex article

The ALCS has shifted its rhythm in Cleveland. MLB moved Game 3 of the Rays-Guardians series to a 1 p.m. ET first pitch Thursday from the originally scheduled 6 p.m. ET, citing forecasted rain late Thursday night at Progressive Field. The game will be broadcast on TBS and HBO Max.

The series is tied 1-1 as the teams return to Cleveland, after Tampa Bay’s 3-1 win in Game 2 restored focus on the matchup following Cleveland’s 7-3 come-from-behind victory in the opener.

Pitching is the main matchup question. For Tampa Bay, MLB named Griffin Jax as the Game 3 starter, turning the page after using him as a reliever in the ALDS. Jax has been on a strong stretch, with an official Game 3 starter profile describing a 0.90 ERA over his past five appearances and noting limited damage in his last four regular-season starts and a recent relief appearance.

For Cleveland, manager Stephen Vogt has not formally announced the Game 3 starter yet, but the same MLB preview framed Gavin Williams as the likely option on regular rest. The preview also pointed to Williams’ ALDS work, including a dominant stretch used to clinch the round, as well as an emergency relief appearance earlier in the playoffs.

Lineups were projected with several familiar anchors. The Guardians were expected to feature Patrick Bailey at catcher with Steven Kwan, Jose Ramirez, Chase DeLauter, Jo Adell, Nathaniel Lowe, Travis Bazzana, Petey Halpin, and Brayan Rocchio as the other projected everyday spots. For the Rays, the preview listed Yandy Diaz as the DH with Jonathan Aranda, Junior Caminero, Liam Hicks, Victor Mesa Jr., Chandler Simpson, Jonny DeLuca, Richie Palacios, and Taylor Walls as the projected lineup, while highlighting a center-field decision between DeLuca and Cedric Mullins.

Bullpen usage could matter more if the game runs long. Cleveland will have a full bullpen after an off-day, with closer Cade Smith available and setup options including Hunter Gaddis, Erik Sabrowski (working from two days’ rest), and others. Tampa Bay is expected to roll out typical high-leverage options after Wednesday’s off-day, with Ian Seymour established as a top setup choice ahead of closer Bryan Baker, and additional left-handed and right-handed setup options identified in the preview.

MLB reported no notable injuries for Cleveland heading into Game 3. For Tampa Bay, the preview stated that Caminero and DeLuca were fine after a collision in Game 1, and it also noted that Shane McClanahan was shut down for the rest of the postseason, meaning his season ended well before this ALCS matchup. Others were described as unchanged.

Why It Matters

A time change tied to weather can affect bullpen planning, especially in the early innings where starters’ workloads often shift when conditions are uncertain.
With the series knotted 1-1, Game 3 becomes the next leverage point for home-field momentum at Progressive Field.
The expected Jax-Williams matchup highlights how both clubs are trying to build their late-inning identity around trusted relievers.
Lineup questions, particularly Tampa Bay’s center-field choice, could determine how often each team gets its preferred platoon matchups against the opposing starter.
The Rays and Guardians are also playing for a path to the World Series, with the preview emphasizing each franchise’s long title drought backdrop.

Sources

Key Facts

Thursday’s ALCS Game 3 at Progressive Field was moved up to a 1 p.m. ET start from 6 p.m. ET due to forecasted rain in Cleveland.
The game is set for broadcast on TBS and HBO Max.
MLB officially named Griffin Jax as the Rays’ Game 3 starter.
Gavin Williams was described as the likely Guardians starter on regular rest, even though Vogt had not announced the starter at the time of the preview.
Projected Guardians lineup includes Patrick Bailey at catcher, with Jose Ramirez and Steven Kwan among the everyday starters.
Projected Rays lineup includes Junior Caminero at third base and Jonny DeLuca in center field, with center-field selection presented as a key question between DeLuca and Cedric Mullins.