Guardians Announce Starting Lineup For Game 5 Of ALCS

The Cleveland Guardians revealed their starting lineup for Game 5 of the ALCS against the Tampa Bay Rays at Progressive Field on Sunday, October 18, 2026. Manager Stephen Vogt kept the identical batting order from Game 4, featuring Steven Kwan, José Ramírez, Chase DeLauter, Jo Adell, Nathaniel Lowe, Travis Bazzana, Patrick Bailey, Petey Halpin, and Brayan Rocchio, with rookie Parker Messick starting on the mound.

The game marks the first time catcher Patrick Bailey will catch Messick, replacing regular battery mate Austin Hedges to keep Bailey's productive bat in the lineup. The ALCS series is currently tied 2-2, with the winner moving within one win of reaching the World Series to face the Milwaukee Brewers.