The Cleveland Guardians wished Cade Smith to get the final three outs on Thursday night time in ALDS Recreation 4 in Chicago in opposition to the White Sox.
Smith had already been within the recreation, and his pitch rely was rising in what has been a busy stretch for him. The Guardians held a five-run lead.
The query was one thing some followers could have whispered quietly: Why wasn’t a distinct pitcher within the recreation to complete it out?
The straightforward reply is that it’s simpler for a supervisor to justify one thing going mistaken together with his star nearer somewhat than a center reliever.
However even as soon as Smith’s pitch whole received too excessive and the Guardians pulled him, they introduced in Gavin Williams, the man who is meant to start out Recreation 5 on Saturday again in Cleveland.
In the meantime, aid pitcher Matt Festa remained within the bullpen, unused.
Followers observed.
Matt Festa Questions
The essential line of questioning goes like this:
If Matt Festa can’t be trusted to get three outs with a 5 run lead? Why is he on the postseason roster?
— Zach Baker (@Zachthewriter) October 9, 2026
It’s the correct query to ask, after all. These postseason roster spots are worthwhile. They’ll’t go to gamers that you simply don’t belief within the recreation.
Now perhaps within the spot the Guardians discovered themselves in, Festa would’ve been dangerous. However bringing within the starter Williams for his first aid outing since faculty was additionally dangerous. Leaving Smith in too lengthy was additionally dangerous.
Festa might not be excellent, however the Guardians may’ve saved a distinct pitcher as an alternative of him. Why wouldn’t they use him there?
If it will get messy, Williams may nonetheless are available, like he did when it received messy for Smith.
Recreation 5 is the decider within the best-of-five collection, and given the stakes, it appears unlikely that Festa pitches. However then what’s the purpose?
Has Matt Festa Pitched within the Playoffs?
No, Matt Festa has not pitched but within the ALDS by means of 4 video games.
His final look was on the final Friday of the common season. That was Sept. 25. He went 1.0 inning in opposition to the Kansas Metropolis Royals, permitting two runs on a stroll and a house run.
Festa had put collectively 4 scoreless outings earlier than that, although, and he had a 3.78 ERA in 66 appearances on the MLB stage in 2026.
This isn’t to say Festa ought to be known as upon in each second, but when the Guardians advance, they’ll have to determine whether or not Festa actually has a task for these playoffs or if they need to be getting one thing else out of the roster spot he’s presently occupying.
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