Unexpected End to Season for Guardians’ Alex Cobb Due to Acute Back Strain

Alex Cobb, a key player for the Cleveland Guardians, has had an abrupt end to his season owing to an acute lower back strain. The development came a day after Cobb started Game 1 of the American League Championship Series for the Guardians.

Replacement Announced as Cobb Ruled Out of World Series

The Guardians confirmed on Tuesday that right-handed starter, Ben Lively, would replace Cobb on their roster. This switch means that Cobb, due to his injury, would not be eligible for the team’s World Series roster if the Guardians progress. Lively, also a right-handed starter, led the Guardians to victory in the regular season, recording 13 wins and 10 losses with an ERA of 3.81 over 29 starts.

Major League Baseball Approval Required for Roster Change

The Guardians’ decision to replace Cobb with Lively had to be approved by Major League Baseball, as only injured players can be removed from the team roster. Cobb, aged 37, left Monday’s game against the New York Yankees prematurely after just 2⅔ innings due to a tightened left hip and back spasms.

Guardians’ Manager, Stephen Vogt, commented that Cobb’s injury would typically warrant a full-blown IL stint, and considering the time of the year, his chances of returning to the pitch were slim to none. With Cobb out of the picture for Game 5, the team now faces the challenge of covering six more games.

A Turbulent Season Concludes for Cobb

Cobb’s season has been a rollercoaster ride, filled with highs and lows. After being traded from the San Francisco Giants, he only made five starts for the Guardians this season, three during the regular season and two in the playoffs. His season debut was delayed until August 9 due to hip surgery in the previous October. His journey was further marred by two more stints on the injured list due to a broken fingernail on his right hand and a blister on his right middle finger. In his two postseason appearances for the Guardians, Cobb recorded a 0-2 record with a 7.94 ERA.

Lively’s Opportunity in the Postseason

The 32-year-old Lively, who was not included in the Guardians’ ALDS roster and hasn’t pitched since September 28, is now presented with his first opportunity to perform in the postseason. Speaking about his preparation, Lively mentioned following the same workout program as he did when he was starting, including a heavy bullpen day mixed in between to stay built up.

In his single encounter with the Yankees while playing for Cincinnati on May 19 last year, Lively allowed a first-inning home run by Aaron Judge and a sixth-inning walk to Judge, who later scored on Anthony Rizzo’s homer off reliever Ian Gibaut, leading to a 6-2 win for New York.